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MR. SMITH 
The Personnel Officer 

A NOVEL 

By 

A SOLDIER 

Who was in the United States Army 19 
months and was prevented from 
seeing foreign service by a 
personnel officer. 

x 

Facts are so mingled and names and 
places changed as to conceal the identity of 
the characters. Yet the facts are sufficient- 
ly adhered to to make a novel true in 
principle. 


Printed for the Author by 
Pepper Printing Company, Gainesville, Fla. 
1920 



Copyright, 1919 
By 

A. THETFORD 


MW 1 5 1920 


©CI.A565954f ' 


Ave \ 


PUBLISHER'S NOTE 


On investigation we find that this story in 
general is true. It appears that the writer was 
held in the United States by a personnel officer 
and that he said, “Someway, sometime that per- 
sonnel officer is going to pay my way to France." 

Let us hope that this wronged soldier gets 
his trip to France by the sale of this book and 
that all soldiers may in some way be compensated 
for their various wrongs and losses. 

THETFORD PUBLISHING CO. 

DeLand, Fla. 


To all who helped 
win the war. 


CHAPTER I. 

LEAVING FOR CAMP 

There are days when our natural environment 
is so perfect that we may sit for hours dreaming 
dreams and seeing visions. It was such a day in 
the little county seat village of Bentonville in the 
purple-topped hills of the Ozarks. Circuit Court 
had adjourned the previous week and with the 
passing of the chief event of the season the people 
returned to their accustomed walks of life while 
the lawyers sat idle waiting for another term of 
court. 

As they sat in the May sunshine and discussed 
the events of the past court there was continually 
heard the name of the young deputy prosecuting 
attorney. This young lawyer was a rare subject 
for discussion because he had come from another 
state and in a short time won a place for which 
custom said an “outsider” must work for years. 
Many and various opinions were expressed. 
Suddenly the discussion was terminated by the 
appearance of the young lawyer in person. Quick- 
ly the conversation was changed to the all im- 
portant and always interesting subject, the war. 
This seemed to be the subject always uppermost 


6 MR. SMITH, THE PERSONNEL OFFICER 

in the young lawyer’s mind and he was always 
eager to say and do something for the Allies. 

In fact his eagerness was so marked that it 
began to be whispered that “He is anxious for 
others to go. Why don’t he enlist himself?” 
Others said, “He is intending to get an easy place 
at home.” One wise lawyer even predicted that 
he was working to get to be a personnel officer 
and get to stay in the United States and use his 
influence for political advancement after the war. 

How happy we are when we do so much work 
for good that we never have time to listen to 
what gossip has to say. Such was the life of 
Jewell Black, deputy prosecuting attorney. Though 
daily idlers weighed him in the balance and oft- 
times adjudged him lacking, he never ceased work- 
ing for the Allies and never knew of the criticism. 

On May 9th, 1917, gossip had something to 
work on. The news was passed from mouth to 
mouth that the deputy prosecuting attorney had 
resigned. Close on that followed the sure fact 
that he had closed his law office. Gossip would 
have had a fertile field if an irate mother had not 
seen Black crossing the street and stopped to tell 
him what she thought of him for persuading her 
son to join the Navy. 

Always when this fond mother defended her 
son there was something interesting. For this 


MR. SMITH, THE PERSONNEL OFFICER 


7 


reason the town people gathered around to witness 
the onslaught. After the terrific bombardment 
there was a lull and the cool attorney answered. 
In place of resentment there was sympathy. In 
the place of anger there was sadness and love. 
He told her that it was best for some to suffer 
and die that the world might be free. Then he 
drew from his pocket an order directing him to 
report at Ft. Oglethorpe, Georgia, to the first 
officers' training camp. He explained that he had 
only a little time to report and that he must re- 
turn to his home in Tennessee and bid farewell 
to his people, possibly for ever. How different 
the scene from that anticipated as that mother 
bade farewell to the young attorney and bid him 
God-speed as he went to join the Army. The true 
heart of the American woman gained the ascend- 
ancy and she asked him to write to her. 

The first boys were leaving for the camps. 
The war had become a reality. Mothers, fathers, 
wives, and sweethearts all forsook their ordinary 
course and lent their energy and time to help win 
the war. 

Our one time irate mother got so busy with 
Red Cross and other war work that she forgot her 
selfish interest in her son and gave her time for 
the good of all. 


8 MR. SMITH, THE PERSONNEL OFFICER 

We can well guess the course of the young 
attorney for the next few days by reading letters 
which are now among the most valued treasures 
of a one time irate mother. 

Dear Mrs. Holmes: 

After spending a few hours with my parents 

and friends in , Tennessee, I am leaving 

for the camp. 

The spirit of Tennessee is right. Instead of 
wanting me to stay at home my people wanted 
me to go. Was so proud of my father as he said, 
“The Volunteer State has never known dishonor. 
Do your bit; it matters not how small. You 
should be proud to go from the state of James 
K. Polk, Andrew Jackson and Andrew Johnston.” 
Mother said, “Your forefathers fought for the 
South. Now you can fight for both the North 
and South and all humanity. I want you to go 
and do whatever they want you to do. Don't try 
to promote yourself beyond what you deserve 
but hold your country first.” 

Will write later. Do all you can for the Red 
Cross and the Y. M. C. A. 

Yours very truly, 

JEWELL BLACK. 

In a few days this note followed : 


MR. SMITH, THE PERSONNEL OFFICER 


9 


Dear Mrs. Holmes: 

Just to let you know that I talked to your 
son's immediate commander and to tell you that 
I learned he is making a record and will be heard 
from in this war. 

Yours very truly, 

JEWELL BLACK. 


CHAPTER II. 

MUTUAL FIRST LOVE 

On the morning of May 12th Black arrived 
at Chattanooga, Tennessee. From there Ft. 
Oglethorpe was soon reached by automobile. 

Already the men from Tennessee and the 
Carolinas were arriving. All was bustle and 
hurry. There was no time to lose. As soon as 
men arrived they were organized into companies 
and began to learn the elements of drill. Among 
a hundred and fifty others Black was assigned to 
the 15th company. 

When the first week's work was over many 
of the men went to Lookout and Signal Mountains 
to spend the day at ease. Some remained at 
camp, while others went to Chattanooga. Black, 
in company with four members of his company, 
hired a car and went to look over the park and old 
battle ground. 

These were red-blooded young Americans. 
No wonder they felt pride and ambition as they 
stood where their fathers stood in the sixties and 
read on monuments the deeds of the fallen brave. 
Thus passed away the day before they realized it. 
Passes did not expire until 11 p. m., but they 


MR. SMITH, THE PERSONNEL OFFICER 11 

wished to be at camp to stand retreat at 5:30. 
With this in view they started for the camp. 

The sun was low in the west. The air became 
cool as the breeze came down the valley from off 
the mountains. The road was clear and they 
drove as fast as they could to reach the camp for 
retreat. Just as they came in sight of the flag 
the first note of the bugle sounded. Suddenly the 
car stood still and five young student officers 
sprang out and stood at attention saluting the 
flag. 

As the last note sounded and they turned to 
enter the car they saw the hand of a young lady 
snap to her side as she went about arranging 
some wreaths at the foot of a monument. Pro- 
verbially the soldier is gallant. Even a civilian 
personnel officer would have been attracted by the 
girl who was the object of their admiration. 
Quietly she went about her endeavors, apparently 
not noticing the enraptured soldiers. For some 
time she toyed with the flowers. Then after they 
were properly arranged she stood and looked at 
them. The sun cast its lingering rays on the tree 
tops. The still of the approaching night came on. 
Yet she stood and gazed at the flowers and the 
monument. As if held by enchantment five young 
student officers stood and gazed at Eolene Norvill. 
Tears dimmed two soulful eyes. A dainty hand- 


12 MR. SMITH, THE PERSONNEL OFFICER 

kerchief brushed those tears away. Then as if 
by a mighty determination she stood erect, her 
eyes flashed fire and upon her countenance was 
written victory. As if speaking to those fallen 
braves she said, “Here lie brave men, I will main- 
tain their honor.” Turning she saw the young 
student officers. 

The shades of night were falling fast. None 
had noticed the passing of time. Realizing her 
loneliness and the hour, she slightly shuddered. 
Then she seemed to realize that she was with 
future members of the U. S. Army and became 
confident. As five gallant men stepped forward, 
she was at ease. 

As if she must tell some one she said, “This 
is the monument erected to my grandfather who 
was a Federal major of artillery. He stood here 
in the thickest of the battle until h } was wounded, 
never yielding an inch. He was carried to a 
hospital where he died. If there had been suffi- 
cient nurses he would have lived. Today I have 
promised him that I will forsake all and become 
a trained nurse.” 

In answer to their request that they see her 
safely home she said, “Before the war is over 
your life may be in my hands. Now my means 
of reaching home I trust to you.” 

It is a wonderful drive from Ft. Oglethorpe to 


MR. SMITH, THE PERSONNEL OFFICER 13 

Chattanooga. The hand of man has aided nature 
to make it beautiful. When Eolene Norvill’s 
grandfather as a major of artillery with an Ohio 
battalion marched along this road it was a wilder- 
ness. Then officers rode horses or jolted along on 
caissons, while now there is a steady flow of cars 
along hard graded roads. 

Romance plays a part in the life of all. Cupid 
is oft-times busy even while the greatest things 
in life are transpiring. Surely love is a gift of 
the gods to those fortunate ones who are destined 
to be happy. 

Happy are those who love at first sight and 
don’t have to learn to love. Happiest are those 
who love with a love that is lasting. 

The young love blindly. There is no specula- 
tion as to the future. There is no fear of failure 
in life. There is no considering inheritance and 
influence. Fond parents oft-times play a part in 
which gold outweighs love. 

The drive was altogether too short for Jewell 
and Eolene. Why, they could not have told. Yet 
they lived to find out. 

When Eolene said, “Here is where I live. I 
must hurry in for fear mother is uneasy;” the 
heart of Jewell felt its first ache. This home is a 
mansion on the main street of the city. Then 
Jewell remembered that his home was a farm 


14 MR. SMITH, THE PERSONNEL OFFICER 

house in Tennessee. Yet love will attempt to 
surmount all barriers. Quietly they walked up 
the beautiful walk to the door and each paused as 
if wishing to say something. Then as blunt as a 
school boy Jewell asked, “May I call to see you 
Sunday evening? Sunday is the only day we 
can leave camp.” For a moment she hesitated, 
then answered, “No,” and turned towards the 
door. Turning again she said, “I feel that I 
want to explain. I have not entered society. 
Consequently no boy has ever called to see me. 
Mother believes in parents selecting girls’ 
friends.” 

Without another word they parted. Yet that 
night a young student officer lay awake and 
thought. And when he fell asleep he saw soft 
brown eyes and wavy brown hair above a sweet 
face. Likewise in the mind of Eolene there 
lingered the vision of a young officer with grey 
eyes and a classical forehead. 


CHAPTER III. 

CONFLICTING PLANS 

True love stirs ambition. With true love 
there are dreams of a home and children to 
support. Black worked as never before. His 
days and nights were spent preparing to make 
a name for himself, fighting the battles of his 
country. Yet in all his dreams Eolene played a 
part. 

Thus passed away the week. Then Sunday 
and rest came. With rest there comes thought 
and oft-times loneliness. This is especially true 
with the young and those who have been away 
from home and loved ones but little. 

How different were the scenes at the Norvill 
mansion. When Eolene entered the house after 
leaving Jewell, her mother met her in the hall. 
Mothers' eyes are quick to read the mind and heart 
of their children. Eolene was greeted with, “So 
you have disobeyed me for the first time in life 
and have been out riding with soldiers." An 
explanation followed but to no avail. The mother 
knew the secret and determined that it should 
not be. 

Calling her daughter to her side Mrs. Norvill 


16 MR. SMITH, THE PERSONNEL OFFICER 

said, “Daughter! Ours is an old and honored 
family. We have kept it so by selecting suitable 
husbands for our daughters. I had thought of 
having you enter society for a few years and then 
selecting you a suitable husband. Today I have 
changed my mind. Mr. Scanlin Smith, of 
Massachusetts, has seen your father and me and 
we have arranged for your marriage in six 
months. In the meantime you will enter society 
and have a good time.” 

For a moment Eolene stood as if unable to 
speak. Then she said, “I have always obeyed 
you and believed you knew best. I have never 
met Mr. Smith and don’t know whether I will 
love him or not. I don’t think I can love him.” 
Then as if fearful lest she should betray her 
secret, she tried to change the conversation. 
However, Mrs. Norvill was not to be thwarted 
and said, “I think you should know something 
about your husband and also something about 
these uncertain times and make your future cer- 
tain.” Drawing her daughter to her side Mrs. 
Norvill said, “Daughter, Mr. Smith belongs to a 
very wealthy and influential family. He has great 
political influence. His people can get him any 
place he likes in the Government service during 
this war. Many men must be killed. So we 
must be careful and select a husband who has 


MR. SMITH, THE PERSONNEL OFFICER 17 

influence enough to stay in the United States. 
Here, daughter, is his picture. What do you 
think of him ?” 

Eolene glanced at the picture, then at her 
mother. As if determined to make no comment 
she returned the picture, rose and walked out 
in the flower garden. 

The heart of Eolene was sorely tried. For an 
hour she stood among the flowers as if dazed and 
not knowing what to do or say. On one side there 
was love. She knew nothing more. She knew 
nothing of Jewell's family and wealth. On the 
other side there was her training from childhood, 
her parents’ council, the precedence set by fore- 
father and what was termed a “suitable 
husband.” 

Eolene was called from her reverie by her 
mother saying, “Come in the house. Have just 
received a telegram from Mr. Smith that he will 
be here Sunday.” The preparations at the Norvill 
mansion began at once and continued throughout 
the week. Yet Eolene seemed to be undecided as 
to what to do or say. Sunday came bright and 
clear. It was a lovely May day. At three o’clock, 
the appointed hour, a limousine stopped in front 
of the Norvill mansion and a man stepped out, 
while from a window a girl watched for a first 
glance at her parents’ selection for a husband. 


2 


18 MR. SMITH, THE PERSONNEL OFFICER 

The introduction by Mrs. Norvill was short 
and business like. After a few minutes Mr. Smith 
said he wanted to see some one at Ft. Oglethorpe 
and suggested that they drive out. Presently 
Mr. Norvill joined the group and they were soon 
speeding down the beautiful road to the camp. 

Mr. Norvill had always somewhat disagreed 
with his wife concerning the sel r ction of a hus- 
band for their only daughter. Some way he be- 
lieved in the old theory of marrying for love. 

When the group arrived at the tower Mr. 
Norvill suggested that they climb it and view the 
old battle field. Then he led his wife to a nearby 
seat while Mr. Smith and Eolene climbed the 
tower. 

Money, power, and influence make some self- 
confident as well as destroying consideration for 
others. On reaching the top of the tower Mr. 
Smith said, “I consider myself very fortunate in 
getting into the good graces of your parents. I 
think you will make a very suitable wife.” There 
being no answer he continued, “I am so glad I 
belong. Look at those poor fellows down there 
practicing signalling. Some of them must be 
killed. I shudder at the thought. I don't know 
what I would do if my people didn't have the in- 
fluence to keep me at home.” As if awakened 
from a dream, Eolene turned and said, “What? 


MR. SMITH, THE PERSONNEL OFFICER 19 

are you not going into the service?” To which 
Mr. Smith answered, “Yes, in a way. You see I 
will have to do something. However, don't be 
alarmed. My people have arranged for me to be 
a personnel officer. There is no danger in the 
world. I will come back to you. In fact I will 
never leave the best cities in the United States. 
I won't even be in the Army. I won't have to 
wear a uniform. I will be a civilian personnel 
officer.'' 

While Mr. Smith was talking Eolene was 
apparently listening. However she heard only 
in part. She was watching a familiar young 
student officer far down the parade ground 
signalling to another and she deciphered, “I want 
to go to France.'' 

Suddenly Eolene sprang to her feet and hissed 
the words, “You coward! Would you stay at 
home and as a personnel officer decide where and 
when others shall go while you are afraid to go? 
Until you join the forces and offer your services 
to fight I spurn you from my presence.'' She 
quickly descended the tower. 

The tell-tale story was written on Eolene's 
face and detected by the quick eye of the parents. 
Before any one found words to speak Mr. Smith 
had descended the tower and appeared in a rage 
before the Norvills. 


20 MR. SMITH, THE PERSONNEL OFFICER 

In a towering rage Mr. Smith began. “I 
know what is wrong. I saw the expression on 
her face as from the tower she watched that 
student officer signalling. It is all right to 
encourage others to go to war, but it won't do for 
me. I know what is wrong. She has fallen in 
love with a soldier.” 

Then Mr. Smith thought of himself. He 
realized that he loved Eolene in the old way and 
that he had made a mistake by trying to buy her. 
The thought of losing her suddenly abated his 
wrath. Then he thought of his usual method and 
relied on diplomacy. Turning to Eolene he 
humbly begged her pardon. Then he asked for- 
giveness of her parents. Apparently he was sorry 
and would do better. 

Eolene thinking she had converted one to the 
right way of thinking and believing that he would 
join the colors, sweetly forgave him all and sug- 
gested that they drive home. 

How little we know of the true intention of 
those who are extremely diplomatic. How often 
the innocent trust as they are led to the slaughter. 

When Mr. Smith and Mrs. Norvill managed 
to be alone at the Norvill mansion after tea, two 
wily heads were put together for scheming. The 
powers were reviewed. Chief among which was 
the fact that Mr. Smith was to be a personnel 


MR. SMITH, THE PERSONNEL OFFICER 21 

officer and could assign any and all friends of 
Eolene where he pleased. The one thing lacking 
was the name of the student officer and his com- 
pany. The rest appeared easy to Mr. Smith. 
This must be found out without Eolene suspecting 
anything. So it was decided that Eolene should 
be allowed to attend guard mount at the camp, 
see the student officer and invite him to the 
Norvill mansion. Mrs. Norvill was to get the 
desired information. 

Proud of his well-laid plans and confident of 
their success, Mr. Smith bade the Norvills good 
night in his usual business-like manner. The 
night train bore the future personnel officer to 
Washington to continue the execution of his plans. 


CHAPTER IV. 

GUARD MOUNT AT THE CAMP 

The following Thursday morning, Mrs. Norvill 
suggested that Eolene attend guard mount at the 
camp. Nothing could have been more pleasing to 
Eolene. She ran to the phone and arranged for 
Isabel Greene, her best girl friend, to go with 
her. During the day she tried to appear com- 
posed, but she felt that she was not and that her 
mother was constantly watching her. As she 
gathered roses in the garden and then tried to 
content herself by reading in the library she 
wondered if she should tell her mother. Finally 
she decided she should but felt that she could not. 
At last four o’clock came and then in a little while 
two girls sat in a limousine on the drill ground, 
waiting for guard mount, in company with many 
other spectators. Presently the regular beat of 
a drum was heard. Then the boys marched on 
the field in platoons. Soldiers dressed alike, look 
alike to many people. Yet Eolene quickly dis- 
covered Black, who was acting commander of the 
first platoon. 

No formation is prettier than guard mount. 
This was especially a lovely scene, for the flower 


MR. SMITH, THE PERSONNEL OFFICER 23 

of the nation was gathered at the iirst training 
camp. Few passed the strenuous tests whose 
training was less than a college education and 
whose physical condition was less than the best. 
What girl would not be proud that she had a 
sweetheart there, and what mother would not be 
proud of a son? 

As the troops marched off the field, Black 
saw Eolene. Between them there exchanged a 
greeting so quick and being only a look into know- 
ing eyes as to not be detected by the closest of 
observers. Yet Eolene knew that he would re- 
turn as soon as the troops were dismissed, and 
waited. Presently Eolene was surprised by see- 
ing her mother in company with Isabel’s mother 
approaching the car. Mrs. Norvill greeted them 
with, “The parade is all over. I have missed it. 
I decided to come too late. However, we can 
wait a little while and see the men as they prepare 
for supper.” 

True to Eolene’s prediction, Black, in company 
with another student officer, soon came walking 
across the parade ground. Being college men of 
much training the entire group was soon enjoying 
a lively conversation which was not disturbed until 
mess call sounded — 


24 MR. SMITH, THE PERSONNEL OFFICER 

“Rookie, Rookie, Rookie, 

Come and get your chow. 

Rookie, Rookie, Rookie, 

Come and get it now.” 

This call always interests soldiers. Yet today 
there were two for whom it had lost its interest. 

Mrs. Greene, being the wife of an Army 
captain, knew the calls and saved the young 
men’s supper by suggesting that they run along. 
She then invited them to visit at her home. The 
same kind invitation was extended by Mrs. 
Norvill. Never did Eolene dream that her 
mother’s invitation was more than an empty form. 


CHAPTER V. 


CONFLICTING PLANS 

Saturday afternoon Student Officers Black and 
Deal were sent for to report at the company 
orderly room. This was the first time they had 
been ordered to report at the campany’s head- 
quarters. That might mean anything good or 
bad. So with much concern they prepared to look 
their best and reported. The company clerk re- 
ferred to notes made on his calendar and told 

them to call Chattanooga No. . How happy 

they were when Mrs. Norvill answered the phone 
and invited them to spend Sunday at her home. 

Sunday morning found Black and Deal dressed 
in their best uniforms long before time for the 
Norvill car to call for them. Ten o’clock found 
them at the Norvill mansion. At ten-twenty they 
were at Sunday school with the girls. At one- 
thirty they were finishing lunch in true soldier 
fashion. Then began the afternoon of perfect 
happiness in the parlor with none present except 
the four young people. Young student officers 
and college girls “make hay while the sun shines,” 
for experience teaches both that they can not tell 
“what a day or an hour may bring forth.” Thus 


26 MR. SMITH, THE PERSONNEL OFFICER 

passed away a wonderful day and there sprang 
up interests which were* lasting. 

The mind of the young is imaginative. To 
them the future looks bright and nothing seems 
impossible. Oft-times deeds of valor are accom- 
plished by the young and impulsive. 

These were children of soldiers whose parents 
were also children of soldiers. No wonder their 
ambition knows no limit and they strive to make 
real the creations of their imaginations. 

As the hour of the evening grew later many 
plans for the future were completed. The girls 
were somewhat disappointed when they were told 
that they could not go as army nurses, as they 
were not old enough; regulations requiring that 
they be twenty-five. However, they were not dis- 
couraged. They were willing to do their best in 
any capacity. So they perfected plans to do work 
for which they were eligible, agreeing to remain 
together. 

The boys never tired discussing their ambi- 
tions. Black wished to be an artillery officer, 
principally because his grandfather on his 
mother's side was a famous artilleryman in Lee's 
Army and fell at Gettysburg. Deal wanted to 
be an aviator, because he thought it a place for 
those who were willing to risk all for their 
country. 


MR. SMITH, THE PERSONNEL OFFICER 27 

Thus passed away the afternoon and the 
evening. Then came time to return to camp, for 
passes expired at eleven-thirty. 

As they lingeringly said good night, four young 
Americans pledged themselves to give their all to 
their country until the war was over, remember- 
ing the United States first and asking nothing 
in return. How happy they must have been. 
Surely those are happiest who do their duty. 

While some build others tear down. Long 
before midnight Mrs. Norvill sent Mr. Smith the 
following to Washington: “Jewell Black, Com- 
pany 15, Student Officers Training Camp. Inten- 
tions : to become an artillery officer.” 

The next day Mrs. Norvill received the follow- 
ing telegram from Mr. Smith: “Have arranged 
for Black's transfer to Q. M. C. at end of training 
camp. He will go to Camp Jackson for a few 
days. Then he will be assigned permanently to 
Camp Joseph E. Johnston, Florida.” 


CHAPTER V. 

FOUR FRIENDS 

The first was the most strenuous of all camps. 
Only a few men were needed and there was the 
whole United States from which to select. Those 
who made good, spent their time attending to 
business. Yet at this camp very little was re- 
quired on Sunday. There were six days in which 
to labor and one in which to rest. 

The following was the first Sunday in the 
merry month of June. What can be prettier than 
a June day in Chickamauga Park? This was 
especially a lovely day for four people who were 
already feeling quite an interest in each other as 
those ties were closer drawn by a happy afternoon 
spent driving in the park. 

Each day brought forth new interest in the 
camp. History was being made and the United 
States was hurrying to take a part. Yet at the 
close of each week, all became quiet. Ours is a 
religious nation. Our men went to worship Him 
who is mightier than great armies. Each Sunday 
Black and Deal attended Sunday school and 
church. Each Sunday they spent part of the 
time with Eolene and Isabel. Thus passed away 


MR. SMITH, THE PERSONNEL OFFICER 29 

the months of June and July and ever the friend- 
ship of the four grew closer. 

One morning, near the close of July, found the 
student officers who had so far stood the test, 
shortly after break of day, ready with full field 
equipment for a ten days' hike down in Georgia. 
All hearts were gay and eager for the trip. At 
an early hour the companies moved forward in 
column of squads at attention. When the camp 
was cleared, rout step was given. Presently the 
gay-hearted soldiers began to sing songs and cheer 
as they marched down the famous road along 
which Sherman marched to the sea. 

It was a healthy, happy bunch of boys as they 
returned from the ten days' hike, making eighteen 
miles the last day in the rain, carrying over sixty 
pounds to the man, with the cavalry preceding 
part of the way over muddy roads. 

The end of the camp drew near. Then came 
the dance at the country club in honor of the 
company officers, to which all high officers were 
invited including the camp commander. The boys 
were proud of their officers and appreciated what 
they had done for them and all were eager to 
attend and make the dance a success. All went 
whether they danced or not. 

This was an occasion long to be remembered. 
The handsome in olive drab of three states and the 


30 MR. SMITH, THE PERSONNEL OFFICER 

fair of many states were there. As they danced 
to soft Italian music, the diamond vied with the 
electricity to see which could be the most brilliant. 
Yet somewhat apart from the rest, Eolene and 
Jewell sat the entire evening while Isabel and 
Henry danced near by and the four talked between 
dances. 

The hour grew late. Yet the merry dance 
went on. Many friends were made and many 
happy words were exchanged. 

All things good or bad sometime have an end. 
So did the dance. Some had made friends. Some 
had merely enjoyed the evening. Four people 
had discussed the future. 

How can we plan for the future when our 
destiny is in the hands of others? How happy 
we should be if those who hold our future are 
real men. 

With many a good night promise, each to the 
other that they would give their all to their 
country, always remembering that their efforts 
would be to be near each other until the war was 
over, they parted. The boys returned to camp 
anxious to await the next day to hear the reading 
of the appointments. The girls returned home 
expecting any minute to hear from their applica- 
tion to do war work. 

That night the minds of all were filled with 


MR. SMITH, THE PERSONNEL OFFICER 31 

dreams of future greatness. Yet no one dreamed 
of climbing the ladder of fame alone. Always 
there was the vision of another. 

To these young people, children in the ways 
of war, it seemed perfectly easy for them to 
remain near each other all during the war. Why 
should they not be assigned to the same camp? 
The preference should be given those who are con- 
cerned and the personnel officers should assign 
them so as to make their life worth living. 

Morning came and ushered in a beautiful day. 
Yet anxiety to know the future prevented rest. 
Early in the morning the companies were formed. 
Still they delayed. Then they were dismissed to 
wait in the vicinity. Late in the afternoon ‘Tall 
in” was heard and in a minute the company was 
formed. The company commander appeared be- 
fore the company and began reading the appoint- 
ments alphabetically. To each man it seemed 
that they would never get to his name. Finally 
the captain read “Jewell Black, Q. M. C., assigned 
to Camp Jackson, S. C.” Soon he read “Henry 
Deal, infantry, assigned to Camp Jackson, S. C.” 

This was a fateful day. The morning mail 
brought an assignment for Eolene and Isabel to 
Camp Jackson. 

The assignments were a disappointment to the 
boys, as they did not get the branches of service 


32 MR. SMITH, THE PERSONNEL OFFICER 

they liked best and were best qualified for. How- 
ever, this is a common disappointment which 
happened to many other soldiers. Personnel 
officers oft-times do not do their duty. Yet there 
was a redeeming feature. The four could still 
be together. 

The morning mail also brought a letter to Mrs. 
Norvill which read as follows: 

Dear Mrs. Norvill: 

Congratulate me on my influence. Also con- 
sider yourself a good detective and politician. 
Have managed to have Black and Deal appointed 
to places they don't like. Will see that they don't 
get anything. Will show Eolene and Isabel 
something. 

Will be in Chattanooga in a few days as soon 
as those young “shave tails" are out of the way. 
Make the girls think that they were not competent 
to be artillery and aviation officers. 

Everything worked lovely. Was able to put 
friends in the places those upstarts wanted and 
would have gotten if it hadn't been for me. 

SCANLIN SMITH. 

Fifteen days' delay in travel was allowed the 
young officers in which to return home, arrange 
business affairs, and bid farewell to friends and 
loved ones. Yet Jewell and Henry lingered a day 


MR. SMITH, THE PERSONNEL OFFICER 33 

in Chattanooga. Then all holding a “You, will 
report” at Camp Jackson, they parted to be re- 
united in South Carolina in fifteen days. 

How fast the time flies when we know there 
are only a few days and then we part from our 
favorite haunts and those whom we have known 
and loved possibly never to return. Weak charac- 
ters may have faltered, but such men and women 
as were joining the colors never faltered. They 
were men glad to see the days of rest pass so that 
they might turn to the business of the United 
States. 


3 


CHAPTER VIL 

IN SOUTH CAROLINA 

Proverbially South Carolina is the state of 
ancestors and broken down aristocracy. The 
Civil War so completely devastated the state that 
they have never recovered, neither do they seem 
to care to recover. They are content to walk 
among the ruins of a once great state and grieve 
for the past. 

Columbia, the capitol, near where Camp Jack- 
son was located, is a typical overgrown country 
town of the old type. It is not like the busy city 
of today. One feels like he was living in the 
days before the Civil War. 

With pride South Carolinians point to the 
places on the sand where early settlers landed, 
and then went to settle the states further west. 
They refer to famous South Carolinians of the 
past. Yet they apparently care nothing for the 
future. 

Here at least is one place where the world war 
has done good. The state of South Carolina has 
been awakened from a dream state and will likely 
become progressive through having many soldiers 
within her borders. She will likely change from 


MR. SMITH, THE PERSONNEL OFFICER 35 

a state of poor sandy soil covered with small pine 
to a progressive state. 

Ignorance and false standards have always 
been an enemy to progress. How different is the 
South Carolina after the war from that before. 

It is said, and I believe it — I was there in the 
early days of the war — that there were people in 
South Carolina as shy of a stranger as a country 
mule is of a street car. Local verbal history de- 
clares that a man moved to a locality in South 
Carolina at the age of five, his parents bringing 
affidavits from all the leading citizens of their 
home, touching good character and other things 
which make good citizens, and settled. That he 
lived in the same house until he was eighty, dying 
the best and most useful citizen in the country. 
Yet they insisted on writing on his tombstone, 
“We have only known him seventy-five years. We 
guess he is all right.” 

In the early days of the war, soldiers oft-times 
met a reception in a few places in conformity with 
ideas of class distinction, ancestors and wealth. 
However, enlightenment soon began to dawn, 
crowding out ignorance and malice. Today the 
spirit of democracy prevails even in the least 
progressive states. This has been largely brought 
about by the war. 

Early in September our four friends were re- 


36 MR. SMITH, THE PERSONNEL OFFICER 

ceived in the then South Carolina style. Here 
they remained three months and were transferred 
to another camp. Let us hope that they may 
return some day and find a new South Carolina. 
A South Carolina where accomplishment has 
ousted pride, where ancestors are forgotten by the 
present generation because they are busy doing 
something themselves, and where ignorance and 
consequently antipathy against the outsider has 
forever been relegated to the past. 

It was a typical South Carolina September day, 
the first Sunday in the month. In the Army there 
are no days of unpacking and straightening up 
even for girls. A few minutes and all is ready 
for housekeeping or travel. 

For our four friends work was comparatively 
easy at Camp Jackson. Duty usually lasted only 
a few hours each day. Then all were free to go 
where they pleased. 

With Sunday came preparations for attending 
church. Always there is more or less interest for 
soldiers around the church. At church there is 
no difference in rank. A private may sit by a 
major general. All worship the same Creator. 

Nothing is more home-like for soldiers, 
especially the young and those who have never 
been away from home much, than the church 
where the people are hospitable. Sometimes even 


MR. SMITH, THE PERSONNEL OFFICER 37 

at the church there are those who draw their 
skirts a little closer, think of their ancestors and 
appear what they think to be dignified. Yet the 
American soldier is so broad and so secure in his 
knowledge of his worth that very rarely they ever 
see such actions. How many were distant, how 
many had seen the handwriting on the wall and 
how many were real men and women at the 
Presbyterian Church that first Sunday in Septem- 
ber, will never be known by our four friends be- 
cause they were too much interested in other 
things. This was their first meeting since re- 
porting at Camp Jackson. 

Among the church announcements there was 
an invitation to all soldiers to attend a church 
sociable the following Saturday evening in the 
church parlors. The announcement further stated 
that the girls from Chicora College would be pres- 
ent. Many were the soldier hearts that beat with 
joy because in the upper left-hand gallery could 
be seen the fair daughters of South Carolina. 

People should never become so interested in a 
few friends as to forget that there are many other 
people just as interesting. Neither were our four 
friends inclined to be selfish. Yet they much pre- 
ferred being together every evening they were 
away from camp. However their being together 
would not prevent their meeting other people. 


38 MR. SMITH, THE PERSONNEL OFFICER 

As soon as church was over they agreed to go to 
the Jefferson Hotel for lunch. After which they 
spent the afternoon car riding. 

To a great extent we are children of our 
environment. So let us turn to the surroundings 
in which the young ladies of Chicora College live 
in order that we may know the people our friends 
met the night of the church entertainment. 

Chicora College for young ladies, is located in 
the main and I might say one of the best parts 
of the city. Columbia is an old town in its ways. 
Yet Chicora College is older. The grounds are 
surrounded by a high brick wall on all sides 
except the front, along which runs a high iron 
fence built of long spike-like pieces of iron. The 
whole place has more the appearance of an ancient 
convent than a modern school. There are little 
narrow niches in the walls through which people 
go in and out. There is a thick growth of trees 
almost hiding the ancient buildings. Strangers 
stop and pause and wonder what it is. 

Most of the students are farmers' daughters. 
They are raised on the quiet cotton plantations of 
South Carolina far from the busy world and 
consequently have all the characteristics of those 
who grow up far from the ordinary haunts of man- 
kind. Their life has been so quiet and unevent- 
ful, save for the ordinary routine of rural life, 


MR. SMITH, THE PERSONNEL OFFICER 39 

that Chicora College satisfies them. They are 
just as happy as if they were attending a modern 
up-to-date school, for they have never known any 
other. Their entertainments conform to the old 
style. Their quaint ways are, as expressed by one 
Tennessee officer who was used to real schools, 
“A mixture of pathos and comedy ” Yet they are 
happy. Happily they may never know about 
other schools and will never know but what they 
have really been to college. 

So often real college life destroys the womanly 
part of woman and leaves her a mere highly de- 
veloped machine to in turn train others for the 
same fate. Too often they develop into haters of 
home and children, thus bringing unrest and dis- 
satisfaction on themselves and finally old age and 
disappointment. 

Happily Chicora is no such school. Here de- 
velop some of the sweetest girls we know. Theirs 
is the true ambition. They are daughters of the 
Old South, reared free from contamination at 
home and educated behind high walls. 

Yet for some girls high walls are no barriers 
when gay soldiers and officers are in town. If 
we should follow our officer friends for the next 
three months we might relate some thrilling ex- 
periences. We might learn just how fair lassies 
escaped beyond the walls and returned. How- 


40 MR. SMITH, THE PERSONNEL OFFICER 

ever, it would be unfair to others who may also 
wish to escape out into the world for a few hours 
by the same means. 

Saturday night found the plans of our four 
friends changed. There was to be an entertain- 
ment at Columbia College, which is a modern 
college built in the edge of Columbia, with beauti- 
ful spacious grounds. All wanted to go there 
and agreed. Yet when the time came Lieut. 
Black insisted on going to Chicora. Why, he 
would not tell. It was afterwards suspected that 
the reason why he was usually seen there on all 
occasions during his three months’ stay at Camp 
Jackson, whether he wanted to go or not, was that 
he was assigned that particular place for doing 
some kind of secret service work. 

At the appointed hour many gay soldiers were 
present. Chevrons and leather leggings mixed 
among the men while they impatiently waited for 
the Chicora girls. Suddenly there was a hush. 
All eyes were turned to the door while Mrs. Byrd, 
the lady principal, marched in with her bevy of 
young ladies. Presently all were happy as they 
indulged in the quaint games of South Carolina, 
to the amusement of the outsiders. Almost one 
could think they were living in the good old days 
of our fathers. How happy they were. Happily 


MR. SMITH, THE PERSONNEL OFFICER 41 

they may remain there and avoid the snares of 
much high modern society. 

At at early hour, after much seeking about 
in the various rooms, Mrs. Byrd gathered her 
brood together and began an orderly march 
towards home. Many were the good nights and 
secret vows for further conquests as they lingered 
in line. Then the fatal words, “Attention! For- 
ward march !” ended the evening's entertainment, 
for who could be satisfied after the Chicora girls 
were gone. 

Agreeing that the evening was well spent our 
four friends started to camp. On the way out 
each had a story to tell touching on the beginning 
of social conquests. The girls had admired two 
corporals from Nevada. Lieut. Deal had most 
fallen for a Mississippi girl, while Lieut. 
Black mentioned a blue-eyed daughter of South 
Carolina, and hushed. All eyes were turned on 
him, for they thought his voice sounded slightly 
of real earnestness. Much was the raillery and 
laughter of Deal and Isabel about forgetting the 
girl at home. Eolene knew that there was no girl 
at home to forget and knew that he cared nothing 
for any of them. How happy are those who are 
not jealous and are sure of their friends. Neither 
did Black think Eolene cared for the corporal. 
Secretly neither was Lieut. Deal or Isabel in- 
terested in any one else. 


CHAPTER VIII. 

LEISURE AND LOVE 

Now came the Fall time. With it there came 
cool days and cooler nights. Then came the 
tourists to visit Columbia. Never before was 
Columbia so prosperous. The camp brought 
thousands of new people and much wealth. The 
sleepy old town suddenly became awake. People 
came from all parts of the country. Some came 
sight-seeing, some to do war work, while some 
were profiteering. All were welcome then be- 
cause so much was not known about those who 
have used the war as a means of profiteering and 
there was not the present antipathy against them. 
The happy, honest, unsuspecting mind never 
dreamed of the ways the unscrupulous have done 
to make money even off the soldiers. 

There came a season of entertainment and 
happiness. Gay dinner parties and dances were 
always in progress. There were invitations for 
all from the privates to major generals. The 
men mixed in various pleasures and the gold bar 
of the second lieutenants brushed the stars of 
major generals in the merry dance. 

Yet in it all there was the ever watchful war 


MR. SMITH, THE PERSONNEL OFFICER 43 

profiteer, ever eager to take from the soldier his 
money and give him nothing in return. 

Soon came cool nights in which the atmosphere 
was damp and sickly. Many men took cold be- 
cause they slept cold. There were not sufficient 
blankets. Some men bought blankets themselves. 
A firm in Columbia had a supply of regulation 
blankets. 

The Quartermaster learned that there were 
regulation blankets in town. He sent trucks for 
them all, to issue to the men to prevent disease 
and death. The mercantile house gladly sent him 
all they had. However, they sent a bill asking an 
enormous price. The Quartermaster was shocked. 
Such a thing was new. He had never thought 
of profiteers going to that extent. Luckily the 
Quartermaster was not daunted. There was no 
use to be. The United States is stronger than 
those few who profiteer. He had the blankets. 
Under the law he had a right to them. It was up 
to the mercantile company to get their money. 
The Quartermaster went to town to settle for the 
blankets. They claimed high prices, war time 
advanced prices and all the things claimed by 
profiteers. The Quartermaster demanded the 
invoice. They refused. Turning he told them he 
was ready to settle, allowing them ten per cent 
above all cost including interest on money and 


44 MR. SMITH, THE PERSONNEL OFFICER 

that he would settle when they were ready to settle 
on those terms. They knew that with honest 
officers they could not defy the government. They 
settled on that just basis. Thus the United States 
and consequently the whole people were saved an 
enormous profit and many men slept warm. 

Our friends still lingered in South Carolina 
with but little to do. Consequently there was no 
end to their pleasure. 

Rarely as much as three days passed without 
their attending something of interest. There were 
shows, operas, dinners and dances. Yet the chief 
pleasure was the visits to Columbia College. 

Columbia College is a modern school. It is 
built and operated after the plan of the best 
schools in Tennessee and other more progressive 
neighboring states. The building and equipment 
is good and the teachers are the best. No wonder 
that the best men and officers soon chose that 
school to visit. 

Many evenings were spent by our four friends 
at Columbia College. Fond memory will oft- 
times return to many as they review evenings 
spent there. Yet of all evenings, that of 
Hallowe’en was the most enjoyable. The pick of 
Camp Jackson supplied the men while South 
Carolina’s fairest were made more beautiful by 
their Hallowe’en costumes. The usual festivities 


MR. SMITH, THE PERSONNEL OFFICER 45 

continued until far in the night. That evening 
will long be remembered by all and four people 
will remember it always. 

Out on the lawn near the fountain there are 
rustic seats. Many a lover has sat there in the 
pale moonlight as he told his tale of love to 
Columbia College girls. Tonight these seats some- 
what apart were occupied by others. 

Far into the night they sat and talked. Then 
the lights in the college winked. That was the 
sign that in five minutes the girls must bid their 
friends good night. Yet they lingered. Soon the 
visitors noisily passed down the walk and were 
heard driving away. The silvery moon sank low 
and cast a long shadow, completely hiding the 
rustic seats from view. How swiftly time passes 
for young lovers. 

The lights in the college had been extinguished 
and all was quiet long ago. Yet a passer-by might 
have heard the word “yes” spoken by two young 
ladies and if he had lingered he might have heard 
further words stifled by fond embraces. Thus 
hearts were united and promises made effective 
after the war. 

Happy are those who feel sure that their 
chosen companion for life is true, caring nothing 
for none other save themselves. Happier are they 
whose lives are serene and no crosses come to mar 


46 MR. SMITH, THE PERSONNEL OFFICER 

their first love. Rarely is such the case. There 
are usually ambitious parents craving for wealth 
and power, other love affairs or some of the other 
various things which beset lovers. 

Now came a season of unrest and expectation. 
Each day orders were being received sending men 
to all parts of the world. Your best friend with 
whom you were to go to a show the following 
evening may before that time be on his way to a 
new assignment, many miles away. Friendship 
and loved ones were secondary thoughts to duty 
and ambition to get into the fight. Though many 
parted lingeringly, but few regretted that they 
were going. 

The first of December Lieut. Deal was assigned 
to command a company of infantry and was in- 
structed to be ready to leave at any moment. 
The heart of the young officer swelled with pride. 
His was an assignment with troops who would see 
real service. The war was yet young and what 
might he not accomplish before it ended. He 
could already see visions of stars replacing gold 
bars. 

This was a week of much thought and con- 
sideration for Isabel. In the past the time of 
parting seemed far away. Now any minute there 
might come an order separating them. 

What is sweeter than the last hour together 


MR. SMITH, THE PERSONNEL OFFICER 47 

of those who are to separate possibly for eyer. 
It was decided that the last Sunday should be spent 
in some quiet place far from the rush of war-time 
preparation. Leaves were obtained and the 
Saturday evening train found our four friends on 
their way to visit friends at Manning, South 
Carolina. These friends were two daughters of 
a wealthy farmer and lived on a big plantation in 
the heart of South Carolina's best cotton section. 

There is a witchery about an old plantation. 
Someway the mind wanders back to days when 
the whites lived at ease in wealth and the negroes 
were happy on the plantations instead of being 
crowded in tenant houses in towns and cities. 
There are constantly arising visions of the cabins, 
the old plantation home and the colored dances. 

To such a place our four friends went to spend 
a few last hours together. True ante-bellum 
hospitality still reigns in that home. The negroes 
were still there though a little less happy because 
they are always mere children and need some one 
to think for them. Yet they are much happier 
than those who have left the farms. 

The evening was spent at a real Saturday 
night colored dance. To those who have never 
attended, such a sight is well worth while. This 
was a real “slave-time dance.” Those good old 
times are forever gone from the darkies. Now 


48 • MR. SMITH, THE PERSONNEL OFFICER 

they must compete with the races whom ages have 
developed. 

At the dance there were four who were per- 
fectly happy save for the knowledge that a few 
short hours and they must part. 

It was late fall. The wind blew cold from the 
north. No more was the whir of the quail heard 
in the open, for he sought the warm sunny places 
in the brush. The corn was gathered and only 
here and there was to be seen a little cotton being 
gathered by darkies with cloths wrapped around 
their heads. The scenery was antique and inter- 
esting. Yet our four friends only saw as if in a 
dream. As they drove over broad fields in the 
late fall sunshine they involuntarily thought of 
the approaching hour of separation. 

Then came the late afternoon and a farm 
supper served in the twilight. Darkies shuffled 
to and fro as in the days of slavery. Yet there 
was a sadness among them, for they too were 
giving their best to win the war. Some of the 
most popular young darkies had already joined 
the colors. 

The next morning found our four friends back 
at Camp Jackson anxiously awaiting the hour 
when they could see the new orders which were 
reported to have arrived by telegram the night 
before. 


MR. SMITH, THE PERSONNEL OFFICER 49 

Someway soldiers seem to have a premonition 
when something is about to take place vitally 
affecting them. True to our friends' expectations 
there were orders for all four. Deal was to start 
to the port of embarkation by Wednesday. The 
other three were to travel by special train to Camp 
Joseph E. Johnston, Florida, leaving Tuesday. 
All were eager to get started, yet they dreaded 
the parting. 

It is unfair to describe the scenes as soldiers 
start to war. The last fond embrace and the 
tears shed might cause those who know less of the 
American soldier to think that he might be made 
to regret the hour he left. Yet such is not true. 
For the true soldier there is sorrow, yet he will 
not turn back. 

Tuesday being the last night for all in 
Columbia and the expected scenes being too sad, 
it was arranged to take supper at the Jefferson 
Hotel and then go to the theater. Fate is oft- 
times kind. Sometimes we are spared sad part- 
ings. At 2:15 p. m. Tuesday afternoon, Lieut. 
Deal received orders to get his company ready to 
leave by 4:30. There was no time for anything 
except duty. 

It was a sad party of three that evening as 
they attempted to carry the arranged program 
through. One was lost to them, but the cause 


4 


50 . MR. SMITH, THE PERSONNEL OFFICER 

of humanity had a gallant young lieutenant in 
command of brave soldiers on their way to 
foreign fields. 

Events transpire so fast in war time that we 
can not think of the past for attending to present 
business. This is well. It is better to be so 
busy that sad thoughts can not linger. 

While our three friends were speeding on a 
special train through beautiful farming country 
to their new assignments, another train was 
carrying a letter to Mrs. Norvill which was 
eagerly read by her as follows: 

Dear Mrs. Norvill: 

Have succeeded in sending Lieut. Deal to 
France in command of an infantry company. That 
company will, I know, see early service. There is 
no chance for Lieut. Deal to return. I can 
manage his assignments over there. So we have 
him out of the way. 

Have succeeded, by my influence, to assign 
Lieut. Black to Camp J. E. Johnston, permanently. 
Will see that he is not given a chance. Will see 
that he is held there. So I will show him how 
to interfere with our plans. Will make Eolene 
think he is not brave and don't want to fight. 

The girls are both assigned to Camp J. E. 


MR. SMITH, THE PERSONNEL OFFICER 51 

Johnston. I am to go to Camp Johnston $pon 
and be a personnel officer. 

SCANLIN SMITH. 

P. S. — If the war will just last long enough 
I will be a rich man. My influence has caused 
some of the interests to let me in on the good 
things. S. S. 


CHAPTER IX. 

THREE IN FLORIDA — ONE IN FRANCE 

There is no prettier camp than J. E. Johnston. 
It is situated twelve miles up the beautiful St. 
Johns river from Jacksonville. The place select- 
ed for the camp was known as Black Point. 
Already there was a beautiful developed park and 
a rifle range. For years there had been a camp- 
ing ground there used by the Florida State troops. 
There the St. Johns broadens into a lake about 
three miles across. Opposite the camp is Man- 
darin, which at the time of the Civil War was 
a famous orange growing section. There are 
still some groves protected by the water. The 
camp is reached by boat on the St. Johns and by 
auto line. 

There is no branch of the service quite so 
intricate and difficult to learn as the quarter- 
master work. No one is capable of knowing all 
the branches. There is the safe business-like 
paymaster, who remains with his cash far from 
the firing line, and has no use for anything more 
deadly than side arms, principally worn by him 
as an ornament. On the other hand there are the 
motor truck trains (now formed into a separate 


MR. SMITH, THE PERSONNEL OFFICER 53 

branch, the M. T. C.) who though having all,, the 
duties of quartermasters, also carry guns and have 
all the added work of infantry men because oft- 
times they must fight their way in and out from 
their advanced bases. There are also quarter- 
masters who stay at advanced bases of supply and 
are oft-times targets for artillery and also air- 
planes. Each transport has its quartermaster. 
In fact the business of the Army is done by the 
Q. M. C. To attend to this, they must be at all 
places ranging from the most dangerous places on 
the firing line to the personnel branch in the 
United States. 

In this intricate branch of the service, Black 
found himself laboring all day and far into the 
night. There was no time for anything except 
duty until things could be straightened out. Like- 
wise the girls found plenty to do. They were so 
busy fighting the cause of their country that they 
did not have time to notice what was going on 
around them. They knew of course that meals 
alone cost $1.17 per day and that the young officers 
were not permitted to take meals at any except 
the place which had been arranged for them by 
those higher up. 

By constant work our friends managed to 
systematize their work in their offices and thereby 


54 ' MR. SMITH, THE PERSONNEL OFFICER 

save labor. Then there came time for rest and 
visits to Jacksonville. 

It was now December and the tourists were 
swarming to Florida to avoid the cold of the North 
and to enjoy themselves in America's big play- 
ground. There were tennis and golf enthusiasts, 
fishermen, hunters and sight-seers. They came 
from all places and were all kinds of people. 

An order was published granting over-night 
passes from Saturday afternoon until Sunday 
night. This was well, for no one can stand the 
grind of quartermaster work as well without as 
with rest and recreation away from the scenes 
of their labor. 

No more did gay parties attended by many 
handsome officers interest Isabel. Her main 
pleasure was receiving a daily letter from Lieut. 
Deal, who never failed to write. Although he 
could not tell where he was and what he was 
doing, it was a comfort to know that he was well 
and still among the living. However, some recrea- 
tion was necessary and she consented to accom- 
pany Eolene and Jewell to Jacksonville to get a 
real meal and go to a show. The plans were all 
laid to leave at four o'clock. They were to meet 
at the pier and go by boat down the beautiful 
St. Johns. 

It was necessary for every one leaving camp to 


MR. SMITH, THE PERSONNEL OFFICER 55 

get a pass if going for twenty-four hours. Little 
did Jewell think just how much obtaining that 
pass would alter the week-end for him. Each 
Saturday Mr. Smith had wondered why Jewell 
never asked for a pass and each time he felt dis- 
appointed. It grieved him to know that Jewell 
was working hard instead of wasting time as he 
and a few other officers were doing in Jacksonville. 

A few minutes before four o’clock Mr. Smith 
looked to see if Lieut. Black had been granted a 
pass. Seeing that he had he walked to the front 
door and paused as if trying to decide some ques- 
tion. Just then he saw Lieut. Black in company 
with Eolene and Isabel on their way to the pier. 
Hurriedly he reentered headquarters office and 
managed to have the order changed, making Lieut. 
Black officer of the day and placing him on duty 
for the next twenty-four hours. He pointed out 
Black to an orderly and told him to deliver the 
order. Then he casually strolled down to the 
pier. As if surprised at seeing them, he spoke to 
our three friends as if he had just seen them. 
Presently the order was delivered to Lieut. Black. 
Looking at his watch Lieut. Black said, “I have 
only ten minutes in which to report for guard 
mount. I am the new 0. D.” 

Mr. Smith expressed his sorrow at the unfor- 
tunate condition just as if he hadn’t brought it 


56 MR. SMITH, THE PERSONNEL OFFICER 

about and suggested that he accompany the young 
ladies to the city so that their evening would not 
be lost. None suspecting, this was agreed to by 
all. Lieut. Black having never met him except 
officially, thought everything was all right. Yet 
something about the man caused him to be dis- 
trustful. Then thinking it was nothing except 
seeing a man in civilian clothes doing army work, 
his suspicion was no further aroused. Yet it 
was strange to see a man who should be wearing 
uniform in civilian clothes doing army work. 

Presently there was heard the characteristic 
river boat whistle. Then the chug of the engine 
and they were off. There are no prettier streams 
than the St. Johns. It is more like a chain of 
clear lakes than a river. The banks are low and 
thickly wooded with many kinds of trees, hiding 
the land from view except in the open places 
where the hand of man has taken a part and made 
inroads on the natural flora and built homes with 
lawns extending down to the water front and 
walks terminating at boat houses at which oft- 
times there float water craft ready for business or 
pleasure. 

The St. Johns is a strange and historic river. 
It is the largest river in the United States flowing 
north. Along this same mysterious stream the 
early Spanish settlers traveled seeking for the 


MR. SMITH, THE PERSONNEL OFFICER 57 

fabled fountain of youth and for treasure. They 
were destined to disappointment. Yet they dis- 
covered a land where many go and regain health 
and find treasure in Florida's many resources. 

The innocent enjoy whatever the Creator of 
nature made for their enjoyment. To our three 
friends the light breeze in a semi-tropical climate 
was refreshing and the scenery was grand. How 
different was the sentiment of Mr. Smith. He 
failed to enjoy a perfect day because in his mind 
there were developing dark and sinister plans 
against the happiness of others in order that he 
might gratify ambition. Always he had won, 
irrespective of right. His was the mind of 
“Kaiser Bill himself." Enough said. 

Mr. Smith being “on the inside," and having 
many war time profiteering interests, had money 
galore. Money is a power and Mr. Smith started 
out to use it to help win Eolene. He also attempt- 
ed to buy the influence of Isabel by spending his 
ill-gotten wealth lavishly on her. They went 
early to the Seminole Hotel for supper. The best 
that money could buy was theirs and truly the 
Seminole is a hotel worthy of a growing city en- 
joying prosperity. Long they tarried and many 
courses were served. 

When they finished supper a limousine was 
waiting at the curb. They then started to see the 


58 MR. SMITH, THE PERSONNEL OFFICER 

city before time to go to the theater. Involun- 
tarily there arose questions in our lady friends' 
minds. There are usually two questions to 
answer, why? and how? The questions upper- 
most in their minds was why Mr. Smith was so 
extravagant and how he could be. Eolene felt 
sure she knew why, as Mr. Smith was her 
parents' chosen husband for her. But the how 
she could not imagine. Her mother had re- 
viewed all of Mr. Smith's resources time and again 
to her and they could not stand such extravagance. 
Isabel was in total darkness. Someway Eolene 
had never summed up courage to tell her. Once 
or twice she had tried, but always she shuddered 
and just couldn't. 

It was a beautiful scene as our friends and Mr. 
Smith slowly drove through town. Jacksonville 
is distinctly a tourist city. There is no smoke 
and noise of manufactories. The buildings are 
mostly white and flowers and shrubbery grow 
clean and pretty. The lights are brilliant, dis- 
playing a great city made greater by an army 
camp. 

Many officers paraded the streets in well- 
fitting uniforms. Automobiles constantly stopped 
in front of leading hotels and women having all 
that wealth and beauty ever gave, quickly alighted 


MR. SMITH, THE PERSONNEL OFFICER 59 

and were ushered in to begin the evening ’frith 
gay festivities lasting well into the night. 

Pretty soon the beautiful no longer appeared 
to Mr. Smith. His mind constantly returned to 
thoughts of gaining wealth by whatever means 
presented itself. Presently he called to the 
chauffeur to stop in front of a restaurant where 
many enlisted men were eating supper. The sight 
seemed to be pleasing to Mr. Smith. Why, we 
will see by this conversation. “I always like to 
stop here and watch the men eat. It is like watch- 
ing money fall into one's pocket." This evoked 
an involuntary why from both girls. “Because 
every dollar spent in there brings something to 
those — ” Then he suddenly hushed. Turning to 
the chauffeur he said, “Drive on." 

Before the car started there seemed to be a 
commotion in the restaurant about something. 
Naturally all wanted to see what was wrong. On 
entering the restaurant the little crowd of 
observers from the car found out that there was 
an argument between the waiter and a private 
soldier. The soldier held a bill of fare which he 
picked up on the table where he was eating 
showing the cost of the supper he had just eaten, 
while the waiter held a copy he had just received 
announcing higher prices on everything. Right- 
fully the soldier maintained that he pay by the 


60 MR. SMITH, THE PERSONNEL OFFICER 

contract given him. All the waiter could say 
was, “Everything has gone up. They have told 
us to go up.” 

There was considerable surprise when a girl's 
voice was heard apparently taking the side of the 
soldier as she asked “What has gone up and who 
told restaurants to go up ? Have you bought any- 
thing at the advanced prices the last few minutes 
since you changed or have you just gone up? 
Who told you to go up?” Taken by surprise, the 
waiter (it happened this waiter was the pro- 
prietor acting waiter to hear what the soldiers 
said to see if they were going to stand for a raise) 
said, “You don't understand the inside of things.” 
The conversation was cut short by Mr. Smith, 
who said, “Just see what that soldier has to say.” 

The statement of the soldier was to the point 
and was an honest confession. Pride causes 
many soldiers to give their last penny and go 
hungry. Yet here was one who had to lay aside 
pride or deprive a widowed mother. He had the 
courage to speak for his rights. 

This was his defense against the small profiteer 
working in unison with the greater. “I have a 
widowed mother who worked faithfully to send 
me to school. She made a good part of the money 
sewing. At the beginning of the war I volunteer- 
ed, being assured that I would be promoted and 


MR. SMITH, THE PERSONNEL OFFICER 61 

would be able to care for mother. I had alLmy 
recommendations and was progressing fine when 
I was assigned to this camp. Someway the 
personnel branch lost my record. They have re- 
fused to allow me even an interview. Now I have 
to save every cent I can to send home. I have 
been away from the camp only once in a month 
and I don't want to be robbed by profiteers." 

At these words Mr. Smith became very angry 
and said, “I will show you how to interfere with 
those above you. I am connected with the per- 
sonnel branch if I am a civilian." 

The affair was suddenly broken up by the 
appearance of a military policeman, who grabbed 
Mr. Smith by the shoulder and said, “Fussing with 
soldiers, are you?" Highly indignant Mr. Smith 
told the M. P. that he was in the Army and high 
enough up to cause him trouble. To this the M. 
P. answered, “Talk to me about being in the Army 
in those togs. Before you get in the Army you 
should leave that finery at the ‘bull pen.' " Walk- 
ing to the door leading Mr. Smith he gave him 
instructions to “beat it." 

Eolene said to the soldier “He is over you. 
You had better pay and get away before he gets 
your name." Then came the confession from the 
soldier that he didn't have the money. A dozen 
soldier hands sought their pocket books but 


62 MR. SMITH, THE PERSONNEL OFFICER 

Eolene quickly placed the money in the waiter's 
hand and hurried away. 

After Eolene left a soldier said, “That is some 
girl." All agreed by chorusing “She sure is." 

When the girls reached the street they found 
Mr. Smith arguing with a M. P. sergeant trying 
to get him to arrest the private. The sergeant 
told him to see a “cop" if he had a case against 
him and passed on. 

It was now time for the opera. One of the 
best plays of the season was staged that evening. 
The girls were too interested in the play to talk 
and Mr. Smith was too angry. 

With the cooling effect of fresh air as they 
started to camp, Mr. Smith's anger somewhat 
cooled and he became talkative. The night was 
too beautiful and the girls too happy to more than 
answer civilly and Mr. Smith was left to comment 
on whatever subject he saw fit. 

Seeing two long lines of soldiers, Mr. Smith 
seemed somewhat pleased as he remarked, “They 
may insult me. Nevertheless they will stand in 
that line until they can get such conveyance as is 
seen fit for them to have. No one runs autos to 
the camp except those who have a permit. The 
street car goes no further than Ortega and won't 
soon. Transportation rates are going up. So is 
everything else. Things will soon be so high that 


MR. SMITH, THE PERSONNEL OFFICER 63 

they will be willing to attend to their own business 
when they get to go to town. They can't go more 
than once a month.” Then he lapsed into silence. 

Shortly after passing the end of the car line 
at Ortega there were many soldiers walking to 
the camp. As they passed under lights it was 
seen that they were privates. Their faces showed 
care and anxiety. Evidently they had some other 
place to spend their money and could not afford 
to travel by automobile. Then several cars stopped 
and picked up most of them for a free ride. As 
Mr. Smith's car passed the girls were amused by 
hearing “Go on, we will walk.” 

As the Smith car slowed down on a curve a 
car darted by carrying a high officer and five en- 
listed men. The officer turned and asked, “Who 
is in charge of that car?” Recognizing a superior 
officer Mr. Smith promptly answered, “I am.” 
To which he received “Then why don't you pick 
up some of those soldiers? Do you think they 
like to walk?” The Smith car stopped and three 
soldiers climbed in. Then one said, “No; I will 
walk,” and got out. All recognized the soldier of 
the restaurant affair. 

When the gate was reached the Smith car was 
stopped and Mr. Smith was notified that it was 
past the hour that civilians enter camp. To this 
Mr. Smith protested and claimed that he was in 


64 MR. SMITH, THE PERSONNEL OFFICER 

the Army. Finally after much telephoning he 
was allowed to pass. As he did so the sergeant 
of the guard remarked, “Why is he not in the 
Army the same as the rest of us?” A corporal 
who knew the facts said, “He is a ‘dollar-a-year 
man/ but how he lives on it I don't know. His 
outside income won't allow it.” 

That night Mr. Smith prided himself on his 
power and influence. He had shown the girl of 
his choice that he “belonged.” He would have a 
nice little story to write to Mrs. Norvill. 

Two girls soon fell asleep. They did not under- 
stand then what many know now and there would 
have been no use for them to have spent time 
wondering how it all was. 


CHAPTER X. 

EVENTFUL TIMES FOR ALL 

Time passed on and many things happened. 
Each week saw many men on their way to the 
war. Some days there was a rush to get organiza- 
tions ready. Then there would be days when all 
was quiet. 

In the way of appointments and promotions 
there were many strange things. One day a 
second lieutenant commanding a company was 
giving instructions to his first sergeant. The next 
day the same sergeant stood in the office, made a 
captain over the head of his company commander 
and many other good officers who for months had 
worked diligently. The same captain was sent 
over seas while other officers toiled on performing 
work calling for higher rank. 

A boy was sent before the personnel board for 
examination for the officers training school. It 
developed that he was under twenty-one. Yet he 
was knowingly sent. Think of the many boys 
under twenty-one who didn't have the influence 
who could not become officers. Then why should 
this be an exception ? 


5 


66 MR. SMITH, THE PERSONNEL OFFICER 

When our good old Uncle Sam finds out some 
things which happened I am sure he will be sur- 
prised. His wrath would be just. 

In the rush of war when earnest men were 
busy fighting the cause of the Allies, less scrupu- 
lous men were allowed to thrive. 

The war is over. Now Uncle Sam has time 
to see to those who came in lambs' clothes but 
proved to be wolves. 

How easy it was for the trusting, honest 
soldier to be imposed on by the unscrupulous. 

As occasion would permit our friends saw each 
other. Several happy hours were spent together 
but always visits were short on account of much 
work. 

Mr. Smith had not seen fit to call on Eolene 
but contented himself by sending her some pres- 
ents. Near the middle of December Mrs. Norvill 
received a letter as follows, omitting the first 
part: 

“Business is fine. Will soon be a rich man. 
Am promoting men from my section and holding 
others down. Think it a good political scheme. 
Am sure will have enough influence to justify my 
making the race for a good political job the first 
opportunity after the war is over. Am beginning 


MR. SMITH, THE PERSONNEL OFFICER 67 

to almost wish the war over so that I could enter 
politics. Interests have become so strong that 
they will prevail at least a while after the war. 

“SCANLIN SMITH.” 

Each day unless there was a delay caused by 
the mail service, brought a letter from Lieut. Deal 
to Isabel. Always he was happy and eager for 
action. Always he wanted to help drive the Hun 
back. 

It was approaching Christmas time. The 
question of presents was to be thought about. As 
is customary in many families, presents are given 
as tokens of love and are not expensive. Mrs. 
Norvill wrote and asked Eolene what she wanted 
by which to remember her first year in the Army 
work. This as indicated by her letter was what 
she wanted. 

Dear Mother: 

It has been so long since I have thought of 
anything except the great cause that I no longer 
care for anything for myself until the war is won. 
Send me some inexpensive token of love and give 
all the money you can to buy liberty bonds. 

EOLENE NORVILL. 

Then followed a long letter dealing with many 
personal affairs. 


68 MR. SMITH, THE PERSONNEL OFFICER 

Christmas morning came. Many expected 
that somehow peace would be made on this holiest 
of all holy days. Yet it brought us only a little 
nearer. 

Many soldiers thought of home people and 
friends as they opened their Christmas presents 
sent by loved ones. On many faces where there 
was no mark of expectation, there was written joy 
because someone remembered them. Oft-times 
the giver was a stranger, possibly some kind 
heart who only knew the name taken from the 
roster. Those receiving less oft-times appreciate 
more. 

Many happy smiling faces went about the 
camp that day but none was happier than Eolene. 
May we read and see why? 

Dear Daughter: 

Guess you will be surprised. I was surprised 
at myself. However, I am so glad and happy. 
I don't see why I lived so long without knowing 
what true life is like. Once I thought it was to 
take from others and hoard up. Now I know 
that it is to give where needed. 

By which to remember this Christmas I have 
invested all my spare money in bonds and am 
placing them in the bank as a Christmas gift to 
you. Herewith find the receipts. You may think 


MR. SMITH, THE PERSONNEL OFFICER 69 

I am giving much. I am not. I have received 
much more. 

Today I joined some War Woi"k societies and 
will devote all my evenings to help win the war. 
Eolene, now I could not stand it if you should ever 
marry a man who was a slacker. I still want 
you to marry Mr. Smith if he will join the Army. 
If he don't I want you to marry some one who 
has worn the olive drab. 

I am going to visit you sometime. 

I am so proud of the record my little daughter 
is making. MOTHER. 

Eolene was too happy for words to express 
her joy. All day she went about her work with 
a smile and laughter. Many a soldier bore a 
lighter and happier heart after receiving her 
cheerful greeting as she spoke a kind word and 
went on with her work. 

Mr. Smith passing where Eolene was at work 
received such a merry greeting that he mistook 
her meaning and thought that the sight of him 
caused the pleasantry. 

Pausing a moment and speaking so low that 
those around could not hear, Mr. Smith asked 
Eolene if he might see her that evening. She 
told him that she had promised Lieut. Black and 
Isabel that she would go to church. Then she 


70 MR. SMITH, THE PERSONNEL OFFICER 

told him that they would like to have him go, 
she was sure. She gently hinted that Lieut. Deal 
being in France, Isabel would surely appreciate 
his company. At that particular moment Isabel 
came to the door and motioned to Eolene. Then 
seeing Mr. Smith she came forward and extended 
her hand, greeting him with wishes of much 
happiness. Eolene told Isabel that Mr. Smith 
was going with them to church that evening and 
then hurried to ask what she received as Christ- 
mas presents. 

Christmas presents seemed to be what was on 
Isabel’s mind and had caused her to call Eolene, 
for she at once took the covering away and dis- 
played the crest of a German helmet and said, 
“He sends me many war trophies to keep for him. 
He gave this one to me as a Christmas present. 
I just know he had something to do with capturing 
it. His handwriting was shaky as if he was tired 
or excited.” 

The phone rang. It proved to be Jewell, who 
stated that he would be a little late on account of 
extra work. 

At the appointed hour our three friends and 
Mr. Smith were on their way to church. Mr. 
Smith had learned by experience that it was best 
to talk as if he was anxious to help win the war. 
The others were interested to the extent of all they 


MR. SMITH, THE PERSONNEL OFFICER 71 

possessed and their entire time. So the subject 
of conversation was winning the war. 

On arriving at the church it was learned that 
the evening was to be devoted to a church sociable. 
People met and talked. Games were played and 
refreshments served. All were happy, especially 
the soldiers who but rarely had any real enter- 
tainment. 

Somewhat tiring of the games the people 
began to form in small groups and talk. Some 
few sat alone and watched while often two sat 
and talked together. 

Mr. Smith asked Eolene if he might talk to 
her a while. She granted his request and they 
sought a secluded vacant corner in an adjacent 
room near by a window. The soft wind blew 
gently from the east, bearing atmosphere slightly 
salty. The moon cast her silvery beams on the 
lawn beneath the church window. Surely this 
was the proper setting for romance. But he who 
would win a true American girl must do so by 
love and not by using these words of Mr. Smith. 
“I have decided to offer you myself and all I have. 
I can make you happy. I have wealth and in- 
fluence. I will have political power when the war 
is over. Will you think over what I have said 
and let me know tomorrow if you will marry me ?” 

Looking Mr. Smith squarely in the eye Eolene 


72 MR. SMITH, THE PERSONNEL OFFICER 

said, “I can answer you now.” Then she paused, 
seemed to consider and said, “No, I will not 
answer you. I will not discuss such a thing with 
any one unless he wears the olive drab. If you 
want to talk about such things — mind you I said 
even talk about such things to me — you must join 
the fighting forces.” Then she turned and joined 
the crowd. 

As she walked away Eolene was more beauti- 
ful than ever. Added to her many attractions 
there was a dignity which was becoming. For 
a moment Mr. Smith would have resigned his 
position, let go his ill gotten wealth and have 
taken his place where he belonged in the ranks. 

Such a resolution was but momentary. He 
knew that he knew nothing about military life 
and that by merit he could never win a com- 
mission. Quickly he gave up the thought but 
never dreamed of slackening in his effort to marry 
Eolene. He just merely changed his tactics and 
used that which he knew better than military 
tactics. For some time he sat and studied. Of 
one thing he was certain. He would see that Lieut. 
Black had so much work that he would have no 
time off. He also decided that he would see that 
he had disagreeable work. Once he thought of 
having him assigned to South America with a 
butcher company. Then he thought that all 


MR. SMITH, THE PERSONNEL OFFICER 73 

personnel officers were not like him and that 
possibly those under whom he would then be would 
give him a fair chance. He wanted to get Lieut. 
Black out of the way, yet he was afraid to let 
him have a chance. For if given a chance Lieut. 
Black would accomplish too much to suit him. 

Returning to join the crowd, Mr. Smith saw 
Isabel the center of attraction in a group of 
officers. Someway he had never really looked at 
her. Now as if seeing her for the first time he 
stood and gazed. Being somewhat away from 
the group his attention was not noticeable. For 
the first time he noticed that she had an abundance 
of light brown hair, deep blue eyes and a profile as 
perfect as a model. He wondered why he had 
never noticed how beautiful she was before. Then 
he dismissed the thought of Isabel because her 
father was only a captain and he didn't suppose 
he had any money. 

Placing money above all else has made many 
unhappy. Some know nothing except greed. 
Surely they have no sense of beauty, love and 
honor. Their life is worth nothing to them and 
is oft-times a drawback to the rest of humanity. 

Nothing is more effective to encourage the 
real spirit of Christianity than well conducted 
church sociables. Mark that I say well conducted. 
This was a sociable where all enjoyed themselves 


74 MR. SMITH, THE PERSONNEL OFFICER 

in the fullest. Our friends spent a very enjoyable 
evening. Mr. Smith spent one busy in thought. 
At eleven o'clock all joyfully left the church to 
rest that they might renew their energy for the 
following day. 

Quickly the weeks passed away. Constantly 
more work was put on Lieut. Black. He spent 
his days and nights in his office. The wee small 
hours of the night found him at his desk, leaving 
only to get a little sleep and to renew his work 
early the next morning. Oft-times the girls came 
to talk to him at the noon hour, but he rarely 
found time to visit them. Such a thing as an 
evening off in which to go to town was un- 
thought of. 

By the middle of February Lieut. Black had 
almost ceased leaving his office except when neces- 
sary. For some time he had not felt well. He 
never dreamed that work was being shifted to 
him which should have been done by other 
officers. He did not have time to see the many 
loafers of camp. He had given his all to help 
win the war and he thought he was doing his duty. 

No one, it matters not how strong, can stand 
the strain of constant mental and physical exertion 
without sometimes relaxing. One day Lieut. 
Black was sick and there was a pain in his right 
side. The same day brought much extra work. 


MR. SMITH, THE PERSONNEL OFFICER 75 

The work had to be done and Lieut. Black thought 
he was the dependence to do it. All day he 
labored on, unheeding a rising temperature and 
constant pain. 

That evening as Lieut. Black left the office 
to go to supper he met Dr. Bryant of his home 
town, who was a surgeon in the Army. Calling 
to him Dr. Bryant asked, “What is the matter, 
Black?” To which Lieut. Black answered, “Noth- 
ing, I guess. Think I will soon be all right.” 
Coming nearer and making a quick examination 
the doctor told him to sit right down and stay 
quiet while he ordered an ambulance. 

For the next few days Lieut. Black lay in the 
hospital very sick. He had a complication of 
diseases. The doctor did not seem to know what 
was wrong. He had symptons of appendicitis, 
but they thought that something else was wrong. 
Each day Lieut. Black grew worse. One day it 
became apparent to the surgeons that something 
must be done at once. The best surgeons in camp 
held a consultation and decided to operate for 
appendicitis. Already Lieut. Black was so sick 
that he hardly knew what was going on. As a 
last possible chance he was rushed to the opera- 
tion room. 

Then memory faded away as a nurse stood by 
and held his hand so that he would not feel alone. 


76 MR. SMITH, THE PERSONNEL OFFICER 

Finally the operation was over. The surgeons 
had but little hope. They committed their patient 
to the hands of Army nurses to let woman's care 
save life if possible. 

Always there will remain in the minds of those 
soldiers who were in the hospitals, memories of 
those noble women who so faithfully did their 
duty. Day and night, apparently never tiring, 
they went, about their labor, always cheerful and 
willing to do their duty. Many are the soldiers 
who are now well and happy, who owe their lives 
to their untiring care. Nobler and better women 
never lived than those who forsook all else and 
gave their time and sometimes lives to the Army. 
The millions of boys who were in uniform will 
always remember them, while many a proud 
mother and father may thank them for a son who 
returned to them who otherwise would never have 
reached home. 

All night Lieut. Black lay barely conscious, 
hovering between life and death; while with the 
least movement hands as tender as a mother's 
supplied his needs. 

The third day found Lieut. Black conscious 
and feeling some better. On the following day 
the nurse said, “Who do you guess is here?" 
Without waiting for an answer she said, “Your 
parents have come. We are going to let them 


MR. SMITH, THE PERSONNEL OFFICER 77 

see you.” This was a pleasant visit indeed. The 
patient was able to discuss home and home people 
and at once began to feel much better. 

Lieut. Black was too sick to see visitors. Yet 
he knew some one daily thought of him because 
each day brought some remembrance. Usually it 
was flowers which were placed in water by the 
bedside. 

Then the days grew into weeks as the patient 
became gradually better. However it was a bad 
case and took time. 

One day the nurse announced that visitors 
might see Lieut. Black. Then instead of flowers 
Eolene came each day and sat by the bed as long 
as time would permit. 

There finally came a time when the nurse per- 
mitted Lieut. Black to sit up. In a few days he 
was allowed to sit on the front porch and watch 
the mighty river boats as they plied the St. Johns 
river. Finally came a sick leave to go to 
Tennessee to recover. 

While Lieut. Black was away Mr. Smith 
decided to see that Eolene was transferred away 
from Camp Johnston. Not knowing her mother's 
changed attitude and wanting her under what 
was once her mother's influence, he saw that she 
was immediately sent to Chattanooga. 

Immediately on receiving orders transferring 


78 MR. SMITH, THE PERSONNEL OFFICER 

her, Eolene wrote Lieut. Black, who had just left 
for his parents’ home in Tennessee, about her 
transfer. She also said that Chattanooga is a 
very healthy place and every one recovered there 
quickly. Lieut. Black needed no further invita- 
tion. He at once decided to spend part of his 
leave at Chattanooga. 


CHAPTER XI. 

LIEUT. BLACK AND EOLENE AGAIN IN TENNESSEE 

Rest and home soon restores health. The 
great Army surgeons are wise in allowing those 
who have been dangerously ill to return to the 
scenes of former days. What better environment 
can there be than home and those with whom one 
was raised? Even the old home itself brings 
many pleasant memories. Quickly Lieut. Black 
was restored to health. 

With the return of health Lieut. Black renewed 
many old acquaintances of his childhood. It will 
be remembered that he was reared in Tennessee 
and only went to Arkansas to practice law after 
finishing school. 

On a near-by farm there still resided a child- 
hood sweetheart. There was the town near by 
where in former days he had attended many social 
functions in company with the gay and young. 

What is sweeter than old acquaintance renew- 
ed? The scenes of happy former days are pleas- 
ant to contemplate. Lieut. Black was soon having 
a wonderful time. Old love affairs, where nothing 


80 MR. SMITH, THE PERSONNEL OFFICER 

save distance has marred their happiness, are 
easy to renew. 

It was the last night of Lieut. Black's stay at 
home. The next day was to find him on his way 
to see Eolene a few days before returning to 
camp. The night was still and quiet. The half 
moon showed herself scarcely above the tree tops. 
This was a night for contemplation and thought, 
especially for those who must part on the morrow. 
Since supper the Black family had sat on the 
front porch. A conversation had barely been 
maintained. All seemed to be consumed in 
thought. At an early hour all retired except 
Lieut. Black, who sat some time alone. Then he 
saw shining from the window of his childhood 
sweetheart a light exactly as it had shone many 
times in the past. As then he could not withstand 
the temptation to walk out in the field near by 
and watch for a glimpse of a fair inmate if per 
chance she passed a window. 

As Lieut. Black stood concealed in the young 
corn lest the moon beams might discover him to 
a possible passer-by, he saw his childhood sweet- 
heart come to the door, look towards his home and 
then raise a lovely hand as if beckoning him to 
come. For a moment his heart stood still. He 
felt that he was living again in the days gone by. 
Involuntarily he started forward. Then a lovely 


MR. SMITH, THE PERSONNEL OFFICER 81 

face, though tear-stained, was seen for a moment 
as its owner slowly turned and disappeared in 
the house. 

Long did Lieut. Black stand as if in a dream. 
Then suddenly straightening himself as if he 
heard the word “Attention!” he briskly walked 
home. 

Once more good byes were said and Lieut. 
Black was on his way to Chattanooga. 

Those whom honor and fame have attended 
need not fear but what society will lend her 
charms and indulgence. On reaching Chattanooga 
Lieut. Black learned from an old friend that 
Eolene was the center of attraction at many social 
functions. This was indeed an honor, as 
Chattanooga has many with “all that wealth and 
all that beauty ever gave.” 

The next few days were gay ones for Lieut. 
Black and Eolene. Chattanooga, known for her 
hospitality and inhabited by pleasure loving 
people, was at her best. Tourists and Army 
officers added no little to the continual chain of 
social activities. There were banquets, operas 
and dances galore. Added to these were the more 
rare entertainments. 

Many men of fame and wealth constantly 
sought out Eolene and considered themselves 
lucky if they could but talk to her a few minutes. 


6 


82 MR. SMITH, THE PERSONNEL OFFICER 

Handsome officers wearing the insignia of high 
rank were constantly at her side. 

Yet when the hour grew late and quiet places 
of rest were sought, always Jewell and Eolene 
were to be found together. 

Some would have been satisfied to go on for- 
ever in the gay round of society ; but Eolene was 
not satisfied. Duty came first and she longed 
to see service in France. 

Only one day remained and then Lieut. Black 
must return to camp. Though there was a long- 
ing to be near Eolene he was glad to get back 
to doing something to help win the war. 

Of course Eolene and Jewell spent the day 
together. The morning was spe^t in part review- 
ing the past and in part planning for the future. 
It had appeared strange to them that they could 
not get to go to France. For some time they had 
discussed it when Mrs. Norvill appeared and 
listened to the conversation. As if trying to 
suppress some emotion she haltingly said: “It is 
not your fault. I don't think Lieut. Black can 
do anything. As you, Eolene, are under another 

personnel officer, you might see him. I know ” 

Then as if determining to say no more Mrs. Norvill 
turned and walked away. 

When suspicion is already stirred a fact or 
two confirm an opinion. Immediately Jewell and 


MR. SMITH, THE PERSONNEL OFFICER 83 

Eolene were on their way to see the personnel 
officer at Ft. Oglethorpe. 

On Eolene presenting her case the personnel 
officer merely remarked, “That is strange. I 
must confirm your statement by your record.” 
Directing a clerk to bring the record he asked a 
few questions and then waited. On examining 
the record Eolene's statements were confirmed. 
Turning to the proper clerk he said, “Send Miss 
Eolene Norvill to France at once.” Turning to 
another clerk he said, “Send this telegram to 
Washington to the investigation ” 

Our friends heard no more. They were too 
happy. Yet the personnel officer smiled as he 
heard Eolene say as they went out at the door, 
“There is an honest personnel officer.” 

The last afternoon had come. Lieut. Black 
was to leave early in the evening. Eolene expect- 
ed orders for France soon. Many thoughts held 
our friends' minds as they spent the afternoon at 
Eolene's home. They were glad that a thoughtful 
mother took care of all callers and they were 
left alone. 

The call of duty in war time is stronger than 
all else. Father Time waits for no one. The 
hour of parting came. This time one must return 
from over seas before they meet again. This 
farewell was behind closed doors and we don't 
know what happened. We will not surmise. 


CHAPTER XII. 

SWEETHEARTS SEPARATED — FRIENDS TOGETHER 

Midsummer found Lieut. Black a commanding 
officer of a student company. This was known 
to be one of the most difficult positions in camp. 
Yet Lieut. Black was proud to know that he was 
once more helping win the war. Though he had 
made many applications to see foreign service and 
been refused, Lieut. Black never gave up hope. 
Though he could not get to go himself he could 
train others, see them promoted over his head and 
go happily on their way. Each day young officers 
came to bid farewell to their C. O. and express 
appreciation for what he had done for them. Yet 
they always paused and wondered why the officer 
they loved best and the one held in highest repute 
could never get a chance. Still the days passed 
by and Lieut. Black toiled on. When the day's 
work was over Lieut. Black and Miss Greene oft- 
times spent the evening together. Sometimes 
they rowed on the river. Sometimes they went 
to Jacksonville. Often they sat at home and read 
the letters together, they had received from over 
seas. There was a common tie, for the person 
of all persons to each was over seas. Oft-times 


MR. SMITH, THE PERSONNEL OFFICER 85 

they wondered if they would ever meet and oft- 
times they wished that they could and be as much 
comfort to each other as they once were. Thus 
the time passed away and the summer was gone. 
Still the friendship of Isabel and Jewell grew and 
still the letters came regularly each day from 
“Somewhere in France.” 

There came a season when no letters came. 
Mail being irregular because of war conditions, 
nothing was thought of it. A week passed and 
still no letters came. Then came days of anxiety 
for our friends. As soon as work was over they 
hurried to see each other to find out if perchance 
one had received a letter. None came. 

As the days went by and no letters came from 
“over there” Jewell and Isabel each evening looked 
over the casualty lists. With the reading of each 
name they shuddered lest the next should be that 
of the one who was dearest to them of all others. 

It had been so long and their names had not 
been published that it was feared that they were 
prisoners. Death would almost be preferable to 
imprisonment. Then when almost they seemed 
gone forever without a trace as to what went with 
either, the casualty list showed Eolene Norvill 
slightly wounded and Lieut. Henry Deal severely 
wounded. Somewhat comforted, the hours and 
days following were bearable because at least they 


86 MR. SMITH, THE PERSONNEL OFFICER 

were known to be in the care of American nurses 
and doctors. 

Days of anxiety followed. Each day was 
looked forward to hoping for good news, but with 
night came nothing save sleeplessness and worry. 

One day Lieut. Black received a letter. The 
postmark and hand told who it was from. He did 
not wait to read it but as quick as a side car could 
be ordered he was on his way to Isabel. Running 
in he threw the letter on her desk and said, “Read 
it. I am so happy to see that hand again I can't.” 

Glad to once more see the handwriting of her 
friend and to know that Eolene was still among 
the living, Isabel hurried to read. 

Dear Jewell : 

As you know I can't tell you much. I have 
been slightly wounded, but am almost well now. 

Will wonders never cease? How I wish I 
could tell you ! Anyway now I am sitting by the 
bedside of Lieut. Deal. He was severely wound- 
ed. For days we did not know whether he would 
live or not. I soon became able to care for him. 
Now he is improving fast. Tell Isabel that I will 
care for her lieutenant. 

Wish I could tell you all ab< ut the big battle, 
the first time I saw Lieut. Deal and how glad I 


MR. SMITH, THE PERSONNEL OFFICER 87 

was to see him. However, I doubt if the censor 
would let that through. 

For fear it won't get through I will write no 
more now. EOLENE NORVILL. 

Always after great worry and anxiety, relaxa- 
tion and the return of normal conditions brings 
great joy. That night Isabel and Jewell celebrat- 
ed by attending a show at Jacksonville. 

Every day a letter came from Eolene. Always 
she was cheerful and spoke hopeful of Lieut. 
Deal's early recovery. 

One day Isabel was made very happy by re- 
ceiving a letter from France. Although it showed 
that it was written by a weak hand it was that 
of Lieut. Deal. 


CHAPTER XIII. 


FRIENDS FOR LIEUT. BLACK — SUSPICION FOR 
MR. SMITH 

So many strange things happened that groups 
of officers and men were oft-times seen secretly 
consulting. Those who had offered their lives 
to their country if necessary had done so that 
humanity might have justice. No wonder that 
they often wondered why Lieut. Black was held in 
camp. Finally the pressure became so strong 
that it became necessary to sign him out at once. 
So it was decided to assign him but to put him 
in a place where he would not be promoted. 
Investigation had forced a promotion for Lieut. 
Black three months before. Now he was due, 
according to his work, another. Much scheming 
was done. Mr. Smith could not help signing Lieut. 
Black to foreign service but he could choose the 
place. This he did and Lieut. Black was assigned 
supply officer to a motor truck train. 

The assignment was so unjust that high officers 
in camp went to the personnel officer and demand- 
ed an explanation. They would not stand for 
such a thing any longer. They were just men 
and officers of the U. S. Army. 


MR. SMITH, THE PERSONNEL OFFICER 89 

Things were then settled by the commander 
of the train saying that he too had been wronged 
by the personnel officer and that when he reached 
the gate he would see that Lieut. Black had the 
place he wanted. All seemed settled and all were 
happy. Thus the discussion stopped. 

The unscrupulous are sometimes strong. This 
arrangement would not do if Mr. Smith was to 
win Eolene by holding Lieut. Black down, for 
when once from under his control Lieut. Black 
would get fair treatment and make a name with 
that of which Mr. Smith could not compare. So 
just before the train left, after Lieut. Black had 
equipped it and done all the work, Mr. Smith 
revoked the order and reassigned Lieut. Black to 
that camp. Indignant officers went to him. He 
told them that he was holding Lieut. Black for a 
good place and that he would soon be signed out. 
Yet at the same time he attempted to give Lieut. 
Black the most disagreeable assignment in camp. 
Long before that time the officers in camp had 
taken an interest in Lieut. Black. So this time 
together they defeated Mr. Smith's plans and gave 
Lieut. Black the best assignment in camp. How- 
ever, this was so managed that Mr. Smith did 
not know about it. So until the camp was 
demobilized after the armistice was signed Lieut. 


90 MR. SMITH, THE PERSONNEL OFFICER 

Black saw his best and most pleasant days in 
the Army. 

The feeling against Mr. Smith became marked. 
Daily it was remarked that he should get out of 
the Army or in one. The Army was tired of 
civilian personnel officers. To their joy one day 
they missed Mr. Smith. What a relief it was. 
Those who had been wronged took courage and 
looked for a new personnel officer and a fair deal. 
Oft-times joy is short-lived. Mr. Smith returned 
from Washington wearing a major’s uniform and 
took up his old place. Though they got him out 
someway he got back as an officer. Think of it! 
From a civilian personnel officer to a majority in 
the Army. We hope time will right such errors. 
Our Uncle Sam was so busy winning the great 
war that some such men got away with something. 

The rest of Lieut. Black’s days in the Army 
were his happiest. He had one of the best and 
easiest assignments in camp. The work was so 
easy that he had much time to devote to pleasure. 
He also had a little time to prepare affidavits of 
those who had seen various works of Mr. Smith 
for future use should Mr. Smith ever again try 
to force himself before the people so that he might 
again wrong them. There was some time taken 
to have an expert accountant estimate the loss 
to the United States caused by his errors. There 


MR. SMITH, THE PERSONNEL OFFICER 91 

was also some trouble taken to record a little story 
entitled, “Lost in the Army,” growing out of a 
reform order gotten out by Mr. Smith. Would 
have been much better for Mr. Smith should he 
ever enter politics had he been fair and let Lieut. 
Black go to France. However, the commonwealth 
will be served by keeping him at Camp Johnston 
because now Mr. Smith can never win before the 
people in the face of recorded facts and thereby 
wrong them. 

Sometime wrongs must end. Happily Mr. 
Smith could not continue the war. 

For many days the eyes of the world were 
centered on the western front. The American 
Army, the bravest and best equipped in the world, 
was there in force. The great final struggle began 
and never abated. Each day brought tidings of 
many casualties, but the Huns were gradually 
pushed back. Millions of eyes each day searched 
the casualty list to see if there appeared the name 
of a loved one. 

One day the heart of the world was made glad. 
The armistice was signed. This to the profiteer 
was unpleasant news. To the rest of the world 
it was the happiest of all days. 

When the news of the armistice was flashed to 
all parts of the world there was a world celebra- 
tion. That evening Isabel and Jewell attended a 
street dance in Jacksonville. 


CHAPTER XIV. 

FROM ARMY TO CIVILIAN LIFE 

As soon as the armistice was signed the senti- 
ment of the Army suddenly changed. Those 
who the day before had been interested in war 
began to think of home and the peaceful pursuits 
of life. They saw no reason why the United 
States should be out more money than necessary 
and were anxious to return home and go to work 
to do their part to pay the war debt. 

The following months were busy ones for the 
personnel officers. The fighting units merely 
waited. The Quartermaster and supply depart- 
ments were busy seeing after the property. 

Of course Lieut. Black was anxious to get out 
and get to accomplishing something towards his 
life work. He made application to the personnel 
officer for immediate discharge. This was denied. 
A letter to the commanding general worked the 
charm and five days hence found him out of the 
Army. 

Lieut. Black had never recovered from the un- 
successful operation when he had appendicitis. 
At any time since he could have been discharged. 
However he wanted to stay and said nothing about 


MR. SMITH, THE PERSONNEL OFFICER 93 

it, oft-times working when he did not feel like it. 
The physicians marked him twenty-five per cent 
disabled, thus entitling him to compensation and 
benefits under the Vocational Educational Act of 
Congress. 

Isabel had no trouble being discharged. 

With the return of the first wounded from 
France for discharge came Eolene and Lieut. Deal. 

All four of our friends were then out of the 
Army, all being discharged the first half of 
December. Then followed the days of home visit- 
ing. Such scenes are so mingled with joy and 
sadness that we will pass them unheeded. Time 
brings many changes. The returning soldier oft- 
times comes to find friends and loved ones gone 
forever. Oft-times he finds that the unscrupulous 
have made away with his property. While there 
are many things to bring sadness there are always 
the greater things in life to bring happiness. 
Usually as the train stops and the soldier steps 
forward he meets parents, friends, a wife or a 
sweetheart to welcome him home. Then all else 
is forgotten and he becomes happy in the knowl- 
edge that he is reunited with loved ones. 

Many changes awaited our friends on their 
return to their homes. Some of them were minor 
while many were important. The greatest change 
was in the home life of Isabel. It seems that 


94 MR. SMITH, THE PERSONNEL OFFICER 

returning soldiers had told Mr. Greene about the 
beauties and opportunities of South Carolina lying 
useless for lack of northern energy. Becoming 
interested he made a trip to the state and was 
convinced that what South Carolina needed was 
fewer ancestors and more men and women worthy 
of those ancestors. Selling his Ohio property at 
a high price he bought a large old southern planta- 
tion near Orangeburg. 

Of course our friends wanted to meet again. 
It was now near the Christmas holidays. All 
were thinking of plans and constantly writing 
each other. The question was solved by Mrs. 
Greene inviting the other three to visit her 
daughter at her new home in South Carolina. 


CHAPTER XV. 

FOUR FRIENDS TOGETHER IN SOUTH CAROLINA 

Peace and quiet ushered in the Christmas 
holidays in South Carolina. The season was 
pleasant in the ideal Southern winter climate. 
There was just enough chill in the atmosphere to 
bring health and vitality. 

As the train on the day of the expected guests 
stopped at the depot a car drove up to the curbing 
and waited. Presently Isabel saw her three 
friends leave the observation car. She started 
forward to greet them. Then she paused and 
stood as if spell bound. Months before she had 
parted with a slender college man. Today that 
same man stood before her a handsome, well- 
developed officer in over seas uniform, wearing 
insignia showing many honors won in battle. He 
too paused, for time had added charms to a girl 
he already thought perfect. Then they forgot that 
they were in a very public place. More impatient 
people might have become weary, but Eolene and 
Jewell had seen but little of each other lately and 
they didn't mind waiting in the back seat of the 
car. 

With an exclamation as if awakening from a 


96 MR. SMITH, THE PERSONNEL OFFICER 

pleasant dream Isabel asked, “Where are Eolene 
and Jewell?” To which Lieut. Deal replied, “I 
think they are doing very well in the back seat 
of the car.” 

The train, which usually arrived earlier, did 
not come until near the middle of the afternoon. 
So by the time our four friends drove around 
town a while and got started home the sun was 
barely above the tree tops. 

After the noise and bustle of war it was re- 
freshing to be in quiet old South Carolina. With 
approaching night there came a stillness. The 
car barely moved down the broad highway. 
Gladly would they have driven on for always. 
Beautiful fields from which had been gathered 
cotton were dispersed among stately groves of 
pine trees and in the distance could be heard the 
tinkling of bells and the lowing of cattle, for it 
was about sundown and farmers were doing their 
evening chores. 

On the crest of a hill Isabel stopped the car 
and pointed to a beautiful knoll in the distance. 
On it could be seen a pretty modern home where 
once a cabin stood. Near by there rose another 
magnificent building. Gently the smoke rose in 
many places above the pines and drifted away 
showing the locality of homes made by outsiders 
settling up the country. 


MR. SMITH, THE PERSONNEL OFFICER 97 

South Carolina is awakening. A few years 
more and she will no longer have ancestors and 
dreams of the past but will boast of the future. 

Slowly the car drove down the broad road and 
turned down a lane newly set with shade trees 
down which future lovers may drive, for now it 
is a real lover’s lane and time will improve it. At 
least four lovers were now driving down it to be 
presently welcomed to a new home in the new 
South Carolina. 

The war did much good in some ways. Many 
men saw new countries and will go there and 
settle. Others are convinced that they lived in 
the best place in the world and will be willing to 
remain there. 

The old South Carolina was contented. The 
new South Carolina is progressive. Thirty 
minutes before theater time the whir of an engine 
was heard at the gate. Then Mr. Greene called, 
“Every one get ready. With good roads, autos, 
mail routes, and telephones, we are not exiled from 
civilization at all. Let us go to Orangeburg.” 
This plan was agreeable to all and presently they 
were speeding down a good road to town. 

Constantly the times are changing. Today the 
farmer with all modern conveniences has the ad- 
vantages of both city and country. Mr. Greene 
was well pleased with his new home. 


7 


98 MR. SMITH, THE PERSONNEL OFFICER 

A few minutes after the show and our friends 
were again at the Greene home. A few minutes 
more and they were peacefully sleeping, breath- 
ing the pure country air. 

Our friends awoke the following morning to 
find that the weather had changed during the 
night. A stiff wind was blowing from the north 
and the clouds hid the sky from view. Before 
nine o’clock a cold drizzling rain set in and con- 
tinued throughout the day. 

To a great extent we are children of our 
environment. Bad weather oft-times causes the 
moody to become despondent and the ordinary 
natured person to become sad. Our friends were 
so happy that no weather, it mattered not how 
inclement, could make them sad. Their minds 
could not run on the unpleasant things of life be- 
cause they were so happy to all be together again. 

Yet on such days while people must stay in 
doors their minds are naturally active. An active 
mind looks to the future. The mind of a lover 
is a builder’s mind. There are dreams of home, 
children and a means of support. Naturally a 
profession is uppermost in the minds of young 
lovers facing the world and intending to embark 
upon its uncertainties. 

As our friends sat by a country fire made of 


MR. SMITH, THE PERSONNEL OFFICER 99 

pine logs in a large fire place, they naturally dis^ 
cussed the future. 

Before being discharged Lieut. Black had 
secured a position with the United States Depart- 
ment of Agriculture and was to begin work on 
January 1st at Jacksonville. He had not men- 
tioned that before, as he wanted to make sure of 
the position before he said anything about it. He 
was very anxious for work in Florida, as he 
thought it a good place on account of future de- 
velopment sure to come. 

After telling of his determination to stay in 
beautiful Florida, the land of flowers, where the 
sun shines every day, Lieut. Black mentioned 
some of the beauties of living in Jacksonville. As 
if forgetting the others knew the town and ap- 
parently mentioning her advantages because he 
loved to hear about his chosen country, Lieut. 
Black mentioned the growing population, the 
tourists, the inland and foreign trade, navigation 
and the future of Florida. In the middle of his 
description of the beautiful lakes, the rural mail 
carrier delivered the mail and broke up the con- 
versation. 

The mail brought a letter from Lieut. Deal's 
father, as follows : 


100 MR. SMITH, THE PERSONNEL OFFICER 
Dear Son: 

You have been chosen to fill a newly created 
office in the bank. Your duty will be to investi- 
gate small loans. Many soldiers are trying to get 
started in life again. We have been very pros- 
perous while others were fighting our battles as 
well as their own. Now we are willing to loan 
honest young men money at very low rate of 
interest that they may once more take their place 
in life. You will investigate the applicants and 
we will loan to all the worthy. 

YOUR FATHER. 

Stepping to the phone Lieut. Deal phoned his 
acceptance. Though usually rather quiet especial- 
ly about personal affairs, Lieut. Deal became 
talkative. He discussed the many problems of 
the poor soldier being discharged without a start 
in the world. He said that he learned early in 
life that it is better to give than to receive. He 
said that he had so far given his all to the better- 
ment of humanity and that he expected to con- 
tinue the rest of his life. He expressed a perfect 
contentment in knowing that he could return to 
the mountains of Virginia and befriend those 
whom he had known as well as the stranger in 
their midst in his home town where his father 


MR. SMITH, THE PERSONNEL OFFICER 101 

and his father's father had lived and made wortfiy 
and honored citizens. 

The natural modesty of the American woman 
prevented the girls from saying more than that 
they just intended to stay at home. Yet con- 
stantly their conversation showed that they are 
true-hearted women and that their dream of the 
future was a home and all that goes to make one. 

As the hours passed away our friends formed 
many plans for the future. Each pledged them- 
selves to give their lives in the future as they had 
in the past to making the world happier. They 
agreed that they would do a good deed each day 
and never do a wrong to any one knowingly, 
especially any one who had seen service. How 
happy are those whose consciences are clear, who 
can sleep of nights in peace knowing they have 
done no man a wrong. 

Dreary winter days followed and still our 
friends planned for the betterment of all. Oft- 
times as they looked from the window and saw 
the cold rain beating against the glass they won- 
dered how many were cold that day and wished 
they could help some one. 

Oft-times they wondered if the profiteers who 
run the prices of wheat up were happy sitting at 
banquets squandering the ill-gotten wealth while 
little children cried for bread. Oft-times they 


102 MR. SMITH, THE PERSONNEL OFFICER 

wondered if profiteers who raised the price of 
shoes cared if, while they were snug and dry, many 
tramped the cold earth, sickened and died because 
shoes were too high for them to be properly clad. 
Oft-times they wondered if the profiteers ever felt 
remorse of conscience as they sat warm and well 
protected in the best of clothes while the cold wind 
caused many of the poor to shiver. 

It was a chill December day ; the sun had not 
showed himself since early morning. The wind 
had gradually increased and then a steady down- 
pour of rain set in. Our friends were busily 
engaged forming plans to help returning soldiers 
any way they could when a gentle timid knock was 
heard at the door. 

On opening the door Eolene saw a soldier 
standing dejectedly before her as if undecided 
what to say or do. He wore a discharge stripe 
and three stripes of gold. The sight of Eolene’s 
sweet face gave him courage and he straightened 
his drooped shoulders and asked, “May I stop here 
until it quits raining ?” Happy that she might 
add one more star to a crown of service already 
glittering with many deeds of kindness, Eolene 
invited him in by the warm fire. Calling a ser- 
vant she directed that a hot bath be prepared and 
that dry clothes be secured. Then before the 
soldier could object to so much kindness she 


MR. SMITH, THE PERSONNEL OFFICER 103 

excused herself from the room. Presently she' 
returned with a warm drink prepared by her own 
hand. As she left the room she told the soldier to 
come to the drawing room as soon as he could, that 
she wanted him to meet some friends. 

As the soldier bathed and dressed he wondered 
why he had met with such a kind reception. It 
seemed to him that ever since he returned he had 
met no one who didn't have some scheme to get 
the little pay he had coming when he was dis- 
charged. How happy we are to know that there 
are only a small per cent of the people who are 
unfair and that the soldier was just meeting true 
Americans, the same kind as the great majority. 
Happily profiteering has become very unpopular. 
At the present rate sentiment will become so 
strong that profiteers will be unwelcome in honest 
homes and they will be remembered as a stain on 
their family record by future generations. 

Kindness and almost perfect environment re- 
vived the spirits of the soldier and he appeared at 
the drawing room door feeling the effects of a 
good bath and dry clothes. As he saw two officers 
in uniform his heart beat with joy, for he knew 
he had friends. Theirs in many ways was a 
common cause. 

While the soldier was warming our four 


104 MR. SMITH, THE PERSONNEL OFFICER 

friends decided to question him as to how to help 
returning soldiers. 

Time and again our four friends tried to draw 
the soldier into a conversation which would give 
them the desired information. He courteously 
answered all questions but was distinctively non- 
committal. Someway he had the opinion that the 
kindness which had been shown him was due to 
Lieuts. Black and Deal. He thought possibly that 
home displaying so much wealth had not done its 
part in the world war. 

A picture of Eolene and Isabel in service 
uniform was in the room. Glancing at it and 
some other pictures the soldier soon saw his mis- 
take. Pride of the American soldier had prevent- 
ed him from telling anything except among 
friends. Oft-times soldiers will pay the last cent 
to profiteers without a murmur and proudly turn 
away without enough to eat. 

Knowing he had interested listeners, theirs 
being a similar life, the soldier became talkative. 
He told of his being one of the first men drafted 
from his county, of his immediately being sent 
to France and the many battles in which he had 
taken part. In a low voice as if speaking more 
to himself than any one else, he continued. “There 
were sights over there which I shudder to think 
of and wish I could forget. When one of the 


MR. SMITH, THE PERSONNEL OFFICER 105 

big battles was raging I was shot down by a 
machine gun. The ground on which I lay was 
taken and retaken a number of times. There was 
no time to care for the wounded. Opening my 
eyes I saw a German uniform. I thought it was 
all over with me. Then I saw the face of the 
wearer. It was the sweetest woman face I ever 
saw except that of my wife. She had put on that 
uniform for a disguise and was on the battlefield. 
Binding up my wound quickly and giving me some 
water she said, T am looking for some one/ and 
hurried on. Suddenly he stopped, looked at 
Eolene in amazement and said, “You are that girl, 
I actually believe. Are you not?” To which 
Eolene answered, after placing a hand gently on 
Lieut. Deal’s shoulder, “And here is who I was 
hunting.” 

Then followed a scene intermingled with tears 
and laughter the like of which can never be the 
experience of any except the true-hearted who 
have befriended each other. 

As the day passed away many scenes were re- 
viewed. Oft-times they had been near together 
on the great western front and knew much in 
common. 

Near the middle of the evening the clouds 
broke away and the sun shone warm. Looking 
out at the window the soldier remarked, “I must 


106 MR. SMITH, THE PERSONNEL OFFICER 

be going. I must again get started in life and 
make a living for a wife and little children.” 

All begged him to stay. Finally he consented. 

That evening they sat by the fireside. All 
seemed to be thinking and for some time very 
little was said. 

To somewhat enliven the evening Eolene sug- 
gested: “Let us all write down some one thing 
we shall strive for to bring about a true 
democracy.” This suggestion was very agreeable 
to all and presently five suggestions were written 
as follows : 

1. Let the profiteer know that he is unpopular. 

2. Prosecute violators of the law. 

3. Love home and try to make one perfect. 

4. Remove those from office who do harm or 
do nothing. 

5. Help every one you can to better his con- 
dition. 

Eolene put the pieces of paper in a box, shook 
them up so that no one would get the one he wrote, 
distributed them and requested that each make a 
short talk giving reasons supporting the authors. 

Eolene drew, “Let the profiteer know that he 
is unpopular.” Rising she said, “This is one 
subject where a woman can give many reasons 
besides 'because’. In the first place most pro- 
fiteers are dishonest and get their money in any 


MR. SMITH, THE PERSONNEL OFFICER 107 


way possible. Secondly: Oft-times they take a 
little from many individuals. They don't get 
enough from each poor man to satisfy their greed 
but very little, but the little they get is often more 
than the poor can afford and sometimes even pre- 
vents some from getting a start in life." 

Looking at her watch Isabel said, “Time is up. 
Those who get to talk most must talk fast." 

To this Eolene answered, “No one ever lets 
me say all I want to say. Anyway I couldn’t on 
this subject." 

Lieut. Black drew “Prosecute violators of the 
law"; and spoke as follows: “Before joining the 
Army I was a lawyer in Arkansas. For a while 
I was a deputy prosecuting attorney. It was my 
duty to prosecute criminals. Always I did my 
duty leniently except where there was no ques- 
tion in my mind of the guilt of the charged. When 
I knew one was guilty I never hesitated to do my 
best to see that the criminal was punished. 
Profiteering itself lends suspicion and with a jury 
who know the present methods would have 
its weight. All true Americans believe in punish- 
ing crime. The only thing to prove is that ex- 
cessive profiteering is a crime. Could there be 
a greater crime than taking the essentials of life 
from the people just to hoard?" 


108 MR. SMITH, THE PERSONNEL OFFICER 

Just then Isabel tapped on the table and an- 
nounced “Time is up”. 

As was his custom after many times hearing 
the judge call time, Lieut. Black sat down. 

Isabel being next in line drew “Love home and 
try to make a perfect one.” With ease, dignity 
and apparently the convictions of her words Isabel 
said, “Civilization and happiness center around 
the home. Every one has a right to have a home. 
When conditions become such that many people 
have to go through life without a home something 
should be done. There should be flowers, a garden 
and children. Of evenings, instead of seeking 
pleasure elsewhere, the home should be sufficiently 
attractive to return to it with pleasure.” Glanc- 
ing at her watch she said, “I must hush. My time 
is up.” 

Lieut. Deal drew “Remove those from office 
who do harm or do nothing.” Earnestly Lieut. 
Deal discussed the subject as follows: “One man 
high in office can cause the unhappiness of many. 
Oft-times those high up who have the power will 
hold some from a place they deserve, possibly 
ruining their lives for a few dollars. Too many 
men high up have sold out to railroads and the 
great corporations.” Before he could go further 
he heard Isabel say, “Time is up. I believe you 
were going to tell us something specific and likely 


MR. SMITH, THE PERSONNEL OFFICER 109 


very interesting. I want you to tell us later about 
the particular case you have in mind.” 

The soldier drew “Help every one you can to 
better his condition.” Slowly he rose and spoke 
as follows: “I was never a man of words. In a 
small way I have been a man of action. I can’t 
talk. So I will just tell about myself. I was 
reared in the mountains of Virginia. My parents 
had seven children, five boys and two girls. For 
generations five thousand acres of mountain land 
had been handed down to the oldest son. It was 
rough but there are pretty valleys in which stock 
and cattle graze. There are also mountain creek 
bottoms which are fertile and produce good crops. 
I never went away to school. We thought we 
knew and had enough. Then came the war. 
After each w T ar my forefathers returned to the 
mountains to take up life again. Father and 
mother are dead. My wife, myself and two little 
children lived at the old home with the other six 
children. Being the oldest son I owned the land. 
Yet we all owned it together. We paid the taxes 
and did the work together and shared equally 
according to the work done. We were happy and 
free. As I was saying the war came. Two brothers 
and one sister were old enough. We went. The 
other four stayed at home. Last week I returned to 
find my property being moved from the farm and 


110 MR. SMITH, THE PERSONNEL OFFICER 

my sister and little brothers being dispossessed. A 
big profiteering company wanted the land because 
it was found that it is underlaid with good coal. 
The company produced in court a claim with a 
handwriting like mine claiming that I signed a 
contract for a lot of machinery and mortgaged the 
land. I never signed a contract for a lot of 
machinery and never got or had any use for the 
machinery. Yet they got my home. I know 
nothing except to work. I left my people in a 
little rented cabin on a near-by mountain side and 
am now making my way to the orange groves of 
Florida, where wages are good, to make a living 
for them.” 

The watch and time had been forgotten. 

Lieut. Deal turned to Lieut. Black and asked : 
“Could you as a lawyer save his property?” To 
which Lieut. Black answered, “Yes. It would be 
easy for an honest lawyer. Some might be tempt- 
ed to sell to the company.” 

Placing her arm around his neck and looking 
straight at him with soulful eyes in which tears 
stood, Eolene asked Jewell ; “Won't you return to 
the law practice and be a lawyer?” Who could 
resist? 

Before he could say yes, the three speaking all 
at once plead with him. They argued that honest 
lawyers are so needed. Above the rest could be 


MR. SMITH, THE PERSONNEL OFFICER 111 


heard Deal's voice saying, “Then you could go to 
Congress and help get office holders out who do 
harm or do nothing." 

In answer Lieut. Black said, “When my con- 
tract with the United States Department of Agri- 
culture is up I will again become a lawyer and 
remember ‘Whatever thy hand finds to do, do it 
with all thy might,' and when my hand is placed 
to the plow I will not turn back. One of my first 
cases will be the restoration of this soldier's 
property, if he wants me." 

This soldier had heard the shell scream over 
his head and the shrapnel burst near without 
showing emotion, but kindness overcame him and 
as a baby he wept and would have said much. Yet 
there is a pride about strong men which causes 
them to want no one to see their emotion, so 
Lieuts. Black and Deal with a real brotherly feel- 
ing begged him to say no more. 

The following morning was Christmas day. 
The sun rose bright and clear. As our friends 
stood on the front and waited while the car was 
driven to the door they were very happy. They 
were sending a present to a little wife in the Vir- 
ginia mountains, her husband. Pride prevented 
and they could not give him any money. Yet 
Lieut. Deal was glad to know that through his 
bank he could help him. 


112 MR. SMITH, THE PERSONNEL OFFICER 

“It is better to give than to receive.” Those 
who had made it possible were almost as happy 
as the soldier himself. All day they were happy. 
The following day the phone rang and Isabel 
answered. Turning to Eolene she said, “Some 
one is crying ; do try and find out what they want. 
I can't.” Taking the receiver Eolene made out 
that it was a long distance call from the moun- 
tains of Virginia and was from the wife of the 
soldier, wanting to thank them for the return of 
her husband. 

As she turned blue eyes in which the love-light 
shone to him Isabel asked Henry, “Do you think 
you will ever be so foolish about any one ?” 

For answer he embraced her in his arms, kiss- 
ed her and said, “I am already that way.” Eolene 
and Jewell thoughtfully withheld themselves from 
the room and left the lovers. They needed no 
other entertainment. 

Then out into the fields Eolene and Jewell wan- 
dered. Jewell had something to say but he would 
not speak until he was established in his pro- 
fession. How much happier he would have been 
if he had only known that “Love bears all 
burdens,” and that Eolene would have said yes. 
Joyfully she would have helped him fight the 
battles of life. She was not a girl to expect a 


MR. SMITH, THE PERSONNEL OFFICER 113 

man to fight alone, gain wealth and indulge her 
in idleness in after years. 

When Eolene and Jewell returned Isabel and 
Henry were standing on the front. Somewhat 
timidly Henry asked, “Will you drive with us to 
the church ?” The tell-tale blushes of Isabel told 
the story. No questions were necessary. Quietly 
they drove down the highway to the old brick 
church near the cross roads. None other than 
these were present except the minister. 

It was near the noon hour. The sun cast his 
warm rays on the old church covered with English 
ivy laying dormant until the spring time should 
come to bring forth the foliage. 

After the minister opened the doors the church 
was filled with light. The party passed in and 
the doors were closed. The sun's rays finding 
entrance only through ancient stained windows 
dimly lighted the church. Behind these thick walls 
no noise was heard save the voice of the minister 
as he said the ceremony and then invoked the 
blessing of Him who directs our destiny. 

Slowly they passed from the church, bearing 
the approval of God and man, out into the world 
to fight the battles of life and to help others. 

While the ceremony was being performed 
Jewell's hand sought that of Eolene. He yearned 
for the time when they too would be married. 


8 


114 MR. SMITH, THE PERSONNEL OFFICER 

Woman is patient and waits. Gladly Eolene would 
have helped Jewell with his profession and did not 
want to wait. Yet she did not speak. In future 
years sentiment may change and women may have 
the same right to speak as men. 

Isabel and Henry had embarked upon the sea 
of matrimony. Life was real and opportunity 
was great. From a life of much idleness and 
waste of time in society they were beginning to 
really live. Married life is the happy life. After 
all people are only happy when accomplishing 
something. The gay butterfly's life brings plea- 
sure a while, but true men and women want a 
home and children. 

Lieut. Deal's work began January 15th. He 
wanted to be on the ground before that time. 

Mr. and Mrs. Deal wanted to spend a few days 
in Washington on a bridal trip. Time was pre- 
cious. It was decided to take the morning train 
the following day. 

It being within driving distance our four 
friends decided to go to Columbia and once more 
visit the scenes of many pleasures during the war. 
Broad improved roads made travel fast. The 
party was the guest of Lieut. Black at a quickly 
arranged dinner party at the Jefferson Hotel. A 
few old friends were present, including some 
officer friends who gained fame during the war. 


MR. SMITH, THE PERSONNEL OFFICER 115 


The drive home from Columbia was pleasant 
and quickly made. 

On the following day the sun was already well 
up in the sky before our friends were ready to 
start to Orangeburg to take the train. Hurriedly 
they ate breakfast and were soon speeding to 
Orangeburg. 

When they arrived they found the train was 
an hour late. A pretty park was near by and 
they went there to wait for the train. 

While waiting Isabel suggested that each ex- 
press in a few words their life ambition. Then 
she added, “Mine is to make a good wife. I know 
I can accomplish more by having a home and chil- 
dren than any other way.” 

Lieut. Deal said, “We are one now. My aim 
will be to make a good husband. That means a 
good deal, too: for if we please our wives and 
make good husbands we must go to church, belong 
to good lodges, help the poor, be thrifty, saving 
and constantly bring joy and happiness by help- 
ing others.” 

There being no more volunteers, Isabel scarce- 
ly concealing amusement said, “Eolene, what do 
you prefer to do in this world ?” To which Eolene 
answered, “Whatsoever thy hand finds to do do it 
with all thy might.” 

Seeing that he must reveal his life ambition 


116 MR. SMITH, THE PERSONNEL OFFICER 

and not desiring to evade the issue, Lieut. Black 
said, “I too wish to be a good husband. My 
efforts in life shall be to make an honest lawyer 
and to help the poor, oppressed and needy. Most 
of all I desire to help remove those from office who 
are an incumbrance ; those who hold office but who 
have only done harm or done nothing.” 

The train rolled in the station and stopped 
quickly. The conductor, impatient to gain the 
lost time, cried out “All aboard!” Soon two of 
our friends, happily bound in wedlock, were speed- 
ing towards Washington, while two lovers, each 
thinking but saying but little, slowly drove to 
Isabel's home. 

Lieut. Black knew of no place in the world he 
would prefer to be than with Eolene. As Mrs. 
Greene had invited them they decided to spend a 
few hours with her. She was lonesome without 
her daughter. 

Left alone, Eolene and Jewell spent many 
happy hours together. Yet there was always that 
feeling of uncertainty. They must soon part. 
Each had confidence that the other would be true 
and that some day they would be happily married. 
Yet courtship is not a substitute for marriage. 

In a few days a letter came to Eolene as 
follows : 


MR. SMITH, THE PERSONNEL OFFICER 117 


Dear Eolene: 

Hope this letter will reach you before Lieut. 
Black has to leave. Could write a book, but it is 
only a few minutes until this letter must go. You 
don't know how happy we are. Don't gad around 
and in after years be an old maid. I will tell 
Jewell to speak up the first time I see him. 

I saw Mr. Smith yesterday. He was asking 
about you. He is just the same except he looks 
worried. He is very successful financially, but 
his conscience seems to bother him. He wants to 
stay in public life. He even wants to run for a 
high office. He had better not. The soldiers will 
be against him. 

Will write later. 

Lovingly, 

MRS. HENRY DEAL. 

As Eolene and Jewell read the letter there was 
more sorrow than hatred for Mr. Smith. Eolene 
repeated, “Vengeance is mine, saith the Lord.” 
To which Jewell answered, “Let us forgive him, 
and remember his wrongs no more. As for my- 
self, I will hold nothing against him because of 
the past, but will try to see that he never holds an 
office or in any way imposes on the people again.” 
The subject was dismissed. The hours were all 
too short until they must part. 


118 MR. SMITH, THE PERSONNEL OFFICER 

The night train had to be caught so that Lieut. 
Black could be ready to begin work. How short 
the hours were. Each wished that they did not 
have to part. Yet neither spoke. Pride until 
he had a sure living prevented Jewell. The natural 
reserve of woman kept the least word from 
escaping the lips of Eolene. 

At the train they parted. Why it should be 
they knew not. 

Lieut. Black found his new work very inter- 
esting. The agricultural possibilities of Florida 
are great. There is sunshine and rain in abun- 
dance. The seasons are so mild that crops can be 
raised the year round. Many projects for the 
development and betterment of Florida were being 
worked out by Lieut. Black, when one day he 
found that he must take another operation be- 
cause the first one for appendicitis was not a 
success. 

Thinking it not a serious operation Lieut. 
Black did not write Eolene or his people about 
it until it was all over and he was well on his road 
to recovery. After the operation it was learned 
that Lieut. Black would never thoroughly recover. 
He can never lift heavy weights and do hard work 
as he once did. This being the case, he gave up 
his position with the Department of Agriculture. 
Our Uncle Sam is a good old man. When the 


MR. SMITH, THE PERSONNEL OFFICER 119 

boys get injured in the service he comes along 
and refits them for some life-work which they 
can do. 

While Lieut. Black was in the hospital, a 
representative from the Vocational Educational 
Board visited him and arranged for him to enter 
school as soon as able at the University of Florida 
to take a J. D. degree, thus further preparing him 
to pursue his chosen profession, which he gave 
up to join the army. 

Until school was out in June Lieut. Black 
diligently pursued his law studies, preparing for 
the great battles of life. Though a perverse per- 
sonnel officer held him out of the battles of France 
for personal reasons, Lieut. Black is destined with 
the aid of a great government to overcome his 
disability because of the unsuccessful operation 
and to help fight the political and other battles 
which are now looming big in the near future and 
speak fair to soon become as serious a problem as 
the World War. Those who have suffered and 
borne the hardships make the best standard bear- 
ers in this age of many profiteers and unscrupu- 
lous politicians. 

Shortly before the University closed Lieut. 
Black received a letter from Lieut. Deal as follows : 

Dear Black: 

You remember the soldier who visited us at 


120 MR. SMITH, THE PERSONNEL OFFICER 

Isabel's home ? He is still living in the little cabin 
patiently waiting for you to come and regain his 
property for him. Can't you come up to the moun- 
tains of Virginia and spend the summer with us 
and see after his case ? Isabel is inviting Eolene. 
You might go by for her. Yes, of course, I know 
you will be here now. So we will expect you to 
be here all the summer. 

The bank loaned the soldier money. He can 
live until you win his property if you have success. 
Try to keep them from appealing to higher courts 
and causing delay. 

Write me when to meet you and Eolene at 
the train. HENRY DEAL. 


CHAPTER XVI. 

IN THE MOUNTAINS OF VIRGINIA 

As soon as school was out Lieut. Black went 
to Chattanooga to see Eolene and to persuade her 
to go to the Virginia mountains to visit Mrs. Deal. 
Mrs. Norvill had been wanting to do some mission 
work in the mountains for some time. She sug- 
gested that a cottage be secured and that the 
Norvill family spend the summer near the Deal 
home. This plan was agreeable to all. 

The following day found the Norvills and 
Lieut. Black on their way to Virginia. The trip 
was a pleasant one up through the beautiful valley 
of East Tennessee, then through pretty and 
famous valleys of Virginia, ending far up in the 
mountains. 

Mr. and Mrs. Deal were waiting at the station 
for the expected guests. They had received tele- 
grams and all preparations were made, even to 
the securing of a cottage. 

The Deals lived in a little county seat town. 
It is one of those quaint Virginia mountain towns. 
There the people know each other by name. Most 
of the inhabitants have lived there all their lives, 
merely taking up the work of their forefathers. 


122 MR. SMITH, THE PERSONNEL OFFICER 

Always this had been a mountain farming and 
grazing country. Very little timber had been 
cut, as there was a prevalent belief that sometime 
the timber would bring much more. Besides the 
people loved the forests and did not want to see 
them destroyed. 

Anxious to see their new summer home the 
Norvills insisted on going there first. Somewhat 
reluctantly the Deals agreed. Preparation had 
been made at the Deal home for dinner. Mrs. 
Deal saved the day by phoning the servants to 
have the noon meal put in baskets ; that they would 
be by for it. 

After driving by for the dinner and stopping 
a while to see the pretty Deal home, the party 
drove to the summer cottage prepared hastily with 
one day's notice for the Norvills. The road 
wound around the mountains. Gradually they 
went higher and higher. Then the road became 
merely a shelf in the mountain side. On reach- 
ing the top they saw the cottage. It was indeed 
a home for an artist. As far as the eye could 
see there was mountain range after mountain 
range interspersed with valleys from which rose 
small blue clouds of smoke showing that thrifty 
housewives were preparing dinner. 

In the valley to the east Lieut. Deal pointed 
out a well-kept farm. There was a house built 


MR. SMITH, THE PERSONNEL OFFICER 123 

of native stone and a great barn around which 
herds of cattle could be seen watering from a 
mountain spring branch running through the lot. 
Through the low gorge near the middle of the 
farm could be seen the railroad winding its way 
among the mountains. Near-by the track could 
be seen a new switch and machinery was being 
put in place for coal mining. A little farther up 
the hill many new homes were being built for the 
coal miners. 

It was a merry party as they ate their dinner 
on top of the mountain in the cool shade, breath- 
ing the pure mountain air. Yet there was a note 
of sadness, for far in the distance, almost seclud- 
ed from view, could be seen a little cabin where 
a soldier lived who had been wronged in his rights 
while he was in France fighting for the common 
good. 

The Norvills were happy in their summer 
home. The Deals were happy newlyweds. Lieut. 
Black was alone. There doesn’t seem to be any 
place in the world for bachelors. So Lieut. Black 
went down to the hotel to live. A single person 
can’t really do so much for themselves as married 
people can and really accomplish as much, but 
they can do for others. Lieut. Black determined 
to regain the lost farm for the soldier. 

The law and facts were easy. The trouble 


124 MR. SMITH, THE PERSONNEL OFFICER 

was that money was to be used to buy the jury. 
The judge could not be bribed. It was feared 
that the sheriff could be bought, so that if by- 
standers had to be resorted to to secure a jury 
he would pick men “fixed” and selected by the 
corporation. This was the thing Lieut. Black 
had to fight. 

Court convened in July. Having nothing else 
to do Lieut. Black gave his entire time to prepar- 
ing the case and watching developments. As he 
stood on the streets of evenings he could often 
hear paid propagandists saying that a poor farmer 
could not use this land and that the corporation 
should have it, and many other similar arguments. 
Some were deceived. The thinking honest people 
began to see through the whole thing. Money 
was freely used for sympathy when it was thought 
advisable. 

Day and night Lieut. Deal, the soldier and 
friends strove to overcome the influence of the 
powerful corporation and their money. Eolene 
and Mrs. Norvill gave their entire time. Though 
in the right and knowing it, our friends saw the 
corporation gaining daily in influence. Then it 
was discovered that they were giving “watered 
shares” in the corporation, one and two in a 
place, to get support. The influence of money is 
hard to overcome. The holder of stock had it 


MR. SMITH, THE PERSONNEL OFFICER 125 

pointed out that the corporation must win or the 
stock would be worthless. 

The town loafer saw himself becoming a 
millionaire. Those who talked most and had 
always done less became the greatest boosters. 
Yet our friends worked on diligently. Taking a 
general view of the situation, it appeared that 
things were somewhat improved. It was found 
that soldiers, bond buyers and government sup- 
porters in general could not be perverted. The 
better people began to take interest to see that 
justice was done. 

Corporation lawyers are wise. They are 
usually among the best in the country. All of a 
sudden they changed their tactics. They saw they 
couldn’t buy a free American people. They 
could buy only certain ones. They had to work 
under cover. The propaganda was heard no 
more. This was meant to quiet the people, let 
them be unsuspecting and “pull something over”. 
It was too late. The people were awake. The 
trouble was that they didn’t know what to do. 
Yet all eyes were turned on the sheriff. Some- 
way they mistrusted him. 

Long before the hour for court to convene on 
the day of trial the court room was crowded. 
Those coming late only found room in the court 
yard. 


126 MR. SMITH, THE PERSONNEL OFFICER 

At the convening hour the crowd gave way 
for the judge and court officers to enter the bar. 
Then the judge's voice was heard saying, “Mr. 
Sheriff, open court." After the regular formality 
of opening court the judge turned to the clerk 
and asked, “Mr. Clerk, what is the first case on 
docket?" There was a hush as still as death as 
the clerk read the style of the case which was to 
determine whether a returned soldier should or 
should not have his home. 

Presently the regular procedure was begun to 
select a jury. Slowly the regular panel filed in 
and took their seats. Then began the examina- 
tion of the jury. As each man's name was called 
he rose to answer questions. Each was asked if 
he had heard the case discussed and if he had 
formed or expressed an opinion. To that ques- 
tion each answered yes and was promptly dis- 
missed. Then the other regular panels were 
exhausted and no jurors secured. Turning to the 
sheriff, the judge directed, “Mr. Sheriff, you will 
summon from the bystanders twelve good men 
qualified to serve as jurors." 

Those sitting near, by close observation, might 
have seen a piece of paper slipped to the sheriff 
by the corporation's leading lawyer. A close look 
would have revealed the names of twelve men. 
Concealing the slip from view in a note book as 


MR. SMITH, THE PERSONNEL OFFICER 127 

he apparently took down the names, he read the 
list of twelve men. As their names were called 
they answered here and took their place in the 
jury box. 

Lieut. Black examined each man separately. 
He asked each minutely if they knew anything 
about the case, if they had heard it discussed, if 
they were interested, and many other questions, 
to all of which they answered no. Every one 
present saw what was being done. There was 
the town loafer on the jury, and the rest were of 
his stripe. It was generally believed that they 
held watered stock in the corporation. Yet they 
had said that they did not. Necessarily they were 
all taken as good. Those dismissed peremptorily 
were replaced by others just like them and in the 
same way. The people looked on in awe and won- 
dered what was coming to pass. They saw the 
grip of the oppressor and wondered if ever their 
homes would be taken. 

On the faces of the jury was written the mark 
of the oppressor. They were now feeling certain 
that the corporation would win. 

The judge ordered that the case proceed. 

Rising to his feet Lieut. Black said, “If your 
honor please, I have a point of law for the court 
to consider. I would like to present the plaintiff 


128 MR. SMITH, THE PERSONNEL OFFICER 

and ask that the jury be excused while it is pre- 
sented to the court.” 

After the jury had filed out the plaintiff took 
the stand. Lieut. Black asked him where he was 
when the corporation secured judgment against 
him and took his home. To this the soldier answer- 
ed, “In France.” Then he asked, “Have you proof 
of that fact?” He answered, “I have certified 
copies of records showing it, and my word.” Lieut. 
Black told the soldier to hand the records to the 
judge. Quickly the judge glanced at the same, 
satisfying himself. 

Standing near the bench, Lieut. Black read the 
laws enacted by Congress in reference to 
judgments secured against soldiers while in 
service. 

After a brilliant and learned argument to the 
point Lieut. Black concluded by asking that the 
case be taken from the jury, it being a legal point. 
The former judgment and subsequent sale of 
property be revoked and the soldier be repossessed 
of his property. 

As the judge slowly examined the law the 
people held their breath. Many were the prayers 
that went from the lips and hearts of women that 
the right would prevail, while stalwart men swore 
vengeance against the corporation if they should 
win. 


MR. SMITH, THE PERSONNEL OFFICER 129 

Raising his eyes from the book after writing 
some time, the judge said, “Mr. Clerk, you will 
issue subpoenas for this list of men to appear 
before the grand jury to be examined for perjury. 
You will also enter judgment for the plaintiff for 
possession of his property and for all costs and 
damages, including rent since he has been dis- 
possessed, to be assessed by a jury.” 

Once more faith in justice and right returned 
to the minds of the people and they went gaily 
out of the court room. Yet one tarried to express 
his gratitude to his lawyer and the judge. Noth- 
ing would do but that Lieut. Black must go home 
with him and spend the remainder of his vacation 
at his home. What could be more pleasant than 
living in an old stone house with those filled with 
gratitude for service rendered to see to his every 
want. Besides, the cabin in which Eolene lived 
was in sight not far away. 

Lieut. Black was so tired that he did nothing 
except rest for the following few days. Each day 
Eolene looked at the old stone house far down in 
the valley. Sometimes she saw Jewell resting in 
a swing on the front. 

One day, taking some signal flags, Eolene 
stood in an open place in plain view of the old 
stone house and waved to Lieut. Black as he 
rested on the front. Waving back Lieut. Black 


9 


130 MR. SMITH, THE PERSONNEL OFFICER 

disappeared in the house and presently returned 
with his flags. Then Eolene spelled, “I am going 
over to see you by the old trail.” To this Jewell 
answered, “I will meet you half way at the brook.” 

Long before Eolene reached the half way mark 
Jewell was already resting on a boulder in the 
little brook around which clear sparkling water 
ran. As he sat enjoying the cool mountain breeze 
he thought of the happiness of the mountain 
people and compared their lives to that of the 
city people. Almost he wished he had been born 
and reared in that wonderful country. 

Glancing up the mountain side Jewell saw 
Eolene slowly descending the winding path, 
gathering wild flowers which grew by the way- 
side. As the sun shone on her dark hair and 
beautiful face, reflecting a pure soul, she was then 
even more his ideal of womanhood. He sprang 
from the rock and started to meet her, intending 
to wait no longer but to make sure of her at once. 
Then he thought of the fact that he had given 
most all to his country and wanted to first get a 
start in life. 

Resuming his seat on the rock, he awaited her 
approach. She came near to the brook and sat 
by the water's edge on a fallen log. As if in a 
deep study she sat and watched the little fish 
swimming in the clear water. Raising her eyes 


MR. SMITH, THE PERSONNEL OFFICER 131 

she saw Jewell. Quickly she walked to him and 
sat on the rock by his side. Together they 
watched the fish as they merrily played below 
them. Then a red bird sang above their heads. 
Looking up they saw the nest and on a near-by 
limb the mate sat and watched. 

All nature seemed so happy. The Creator 
prepared for the birds and fish, but to man he 
gave a mind and required more of him. 

Long they sat, each engaged in thought, saying 
but little. Finally Jewell remarked, “The birds 
have mates. God intended that none shall be 
alone. All of his creation was in pairs. They 
have means of support. Man must provide for 
himself.” 

To this Eolene answered, “The birds and the 
beasts have faith. They are happy and fear not 
but what they will be provided for. Man should 
have faith. God loves all his creations and will 
care for them if they follow in his steps.” 

As if he could wait no longer Jewell said, 
“Eolene, will you wait for me until I can be sure 
of making a living and then be mine?” She 
simply answered, “Yes.” Then time passed so 
fast that they were only apprised of the time of 
day by the darkness gathering in the valley. The 
sun had sunk behind the mountains. 

It was too late for Eolene to go home alone. 


132 MR. SMITH, THE PERSONNEL OFFICER 

Together they followed the old trail up the moun- 
tain to the Norvill house. 

The tell-tale story was written on their faces 
as Mrs. Norvill greeted them at the door and said, 
“I have seen it for some time. My children, come 
in to supper.” Somewhat teased, yet not back- 
ward, Lieut. Black stayed and did not again follow 
the old trail until the wee small hours. Then by 
the light of the full silvery moon he walked home, 
enjoying the happiest time of his life. 

Early the following morning Jewell appeared 
on the front with his flags hoping that Eolene 
would be out and see him. His wish soon came 
true, for Eolene also appeared with flags hoping 
Jewell would be out and see her. Jewell spelled 
out, “Drive over and spend the day.” The answer 
was spelled back, “Mother and I will soon be over.” 

Happy to be of service to their friends, the 
soldier and family were glad to know that they 
could do something in return. It was declared a 
holiday in that home and all members went about 
preparing for the guests. 

Before nine o’clock a car stopped in front of 
the old stone house and the guests were met at 
the gate by a happy family. 

Nothing was spared for the happiness of the 
guests. Even they made apple cider from ripe 
apples and cooled it in a mountain spring. The 


MR. SMITH, THE PERSONNEL OFFICER 133 

table was loaded in good old country style with 
many dishes. Fruits, some of which are peculiar 
to that section, were served, as well as mutton 
from their own flocks. 

As they all sat in the shade of the trees in 
the afternoon, the soldier discussed his plans for 
the future. Of course all the machinery and build- 
ings which had been placed on the land became 
the property of the rightful owner of the land. 
Luckily the delays of court allowed the company 
to complete the work on the machinery and open 
cuts to the coal. All was ready for operation. 

Some of the truest and purest hearted people 
in the world are in the mountains. They will 
divide to the last with their friends. Having been 
befriended, the soldier wanted to befriend others. 
He was now very wealthy and wanted to do the 
greatest good to the greatest number. He asked 
if some one would suggest a plan whereby he 
might use his wealth to help them by giving to 
the deserving. 

Eolene suggested that he operate a joint stock 
company and mine coal. Her plan was for there 
to be as many shares as there were miners, for 
all to share equally and then divide profits accord- 
ing to number of hours worked by each stock- 
holder in the company after all expenses, includ- 
ing royalties, repairs and damages were paid. 


134 MR. SMITH, THE PERSONNEL OFFICER 

This idea appeared good to the soldier except he 
would not agree to accept a royalty. He said he 
was already wealthy with the surface right and 
that he would accept nothing himself. He also 
said that the members of the new company should 
be soldiers who needed work. 

This world would be much happier if those 
who have more than they need would help the 
needy. Each day giving is becoming more and 
more the spirit of the people. The wealthy are 
no more looked up to as formerly. Those who 
make the world better are the honored. 

The remainder of the summer vacation was 
spent by our friends helping others. Oft-times 
they took long trips far into the mountains, gave 
much, helped and encouraged the needy. Oft- 
times they investigated worthy cases and helped 
secure loans for them from the bank through 
Lieut. Deal. Oft-times they visited the sick, the 
infirm and the needy. 

As the summer passed away, many soldiers 
trained in various ways came to work in the 
mines. At first there were only a few and they 
worked in a primitive fashion, doing almost 
everything by hand. Then more came and the 
machinery operated by competent hands was 
started. As the days passed away, more and 
more men came and constantly cars of coal were 


MR. SMITH, THE PERSONNEL OFFICER 135 


shipped. Each month the profits were divided. 

As prosperity came to all, a church and school 
were built. There was no need of play grounds, 
as there were broad fields, the forest and the 
mountains. 

Thus grew and developed and will continue to 
prosper a happy community. 

Happy and proud that they could help others, 
our friends spent a pleasant summer and almost 
wished that the last week of vacation would never 
come. Then came Thursday before the Saturday 
when friends must once more part and some go 
to work in other fields. 

Thursday afternoon while our friends were at 
the Norvill summer cottage, an ex-soldier dressed 
in uniform rode up to the gate, dismounted, 
handed a letter to Lieut. Black and said, “Sir, 
orders from headquarters.” Reading the com- 
munication Lieut. Black passed it to Eolene, who 
read as follows : 


Headquarters Soldiers Haven, 
September — , 1919. 

Special Order No. 1. 

The following are hereby invited to report for 
pleasure at these headquarters at 7 :30 p. m. this 
date, namely: Lieut. Jewell Black, Mr. and Mrs. 
Henry Deal, Mrs. Norvill and Miss Eolene Norvill. 


136 MR. SMITH, THE PERSONNEL OFFICER 

Headquarters for the night at the old stone 
farm house, one mile southwest of Soldiers Haven 
Mines. 

EVERYBODY WHO WORKS, 
Commanding Soldiers Home Mines. 

This was a rather unique surprise. Other 
things were being done by a grateful people, but 
this was a little out of the ordinary. 

All of course wanted to go. Jewell wrote, 
“Received 4.15 p. m., September — , 1919. J. B.” 
Then each of the others wrote their initials and 
returned the original. Eolene kept the attached 
copy. 

At the appointed hour the guests drove in 
sight. At the gate there awaited a company of 
soldiers, dressed in full uniform. As our friends 
looked from the hill above they wondered what 
was to happen. To their surprise when the car 
came near, the voice of an old time first sergeant 
was heard to call out “Fall in.” Promptly the 
company formed in the road in front of the car 
and marched in front of our friends to the house. 
They then executed squads left and stood at atten- 
tion while the guests entered the house. After 
being dismissed all gathered together, gave yells 
for the honored guests and then sang war songs. 

The soldiers had brought their families. Many 


MR. SMITH, THE PERSONNEL OFFICER 137 

beautiful young women, some holding their first 
child in their arms, were there. 

Many of the soldiers and their wives were 
accomplished in various ways. There "was no 
lack of entertainment. There were songs, recita- 
tions, wrestling and boxing matches. 

Some one asked a corporal what he could do 
or talk about. To this he answered, “I can't tell 
very much about the battles because I had no 
chance to go over. However, I can tell a lot 
about profiteers and crooked work on this side. 
I was in the service two years. I was recom- 
mended for a commission the first month I was 
in the service. I never got further because I 
became an efficient worker in the personnel office 
and they wouldn't let me out. Just today I re- 
ceived a letter from the man who held me — Mr. 
Scanlin Smith.'' 

Eolene requested the corporal to read the 
letter. Taking it from his pocket he read as 
follows : 

Dear Sir: 

Have decided to do what I can to right the 
wrongs I did you and others in the Army. I held 
you and kept you from going over because I 
couldn't get along without help. I got a place I 
didn't deserve and couldn't fill it. You should 


138 MR. SMITH, THE PERSONNEL OFFICER 

have been the major and me the corporal. I held 
some on account of personal grudges. I won't 
ever tell them but I liked you and am willing to 
do what I can. 

During the war I made money in ways I must 
not mention. Possibly you caught on to many 
things. You remember the first sergeant who 
was made a captain while his company com- 
mander was a lieutenant. Well anyway, that 
lieutenant is going to win in life and he is going 
to show up some crooked work. 

Money obtained the way I got mine doesn't 
do any good. I intended to use it to get into 
politics after the war. It won't work. Too many 
know too much. I am going to give the money 
away. I will as far as possible give it to the 
people I wronged out of it. 

I have reformed. I won't enter politics now. 
I might have been a statesman. Now it is too 
late for that. I could never be more than a 
crooked politician. 

I am going on the farm and live an honest life, 
staying out of public life. Yes! I feel I have 
reformed and will hold out and stay out of politics. 

SCANLIN SMITH. 

After the letter was read it seemed that all 
wanted to talk. For the next few minutes the 


MR. SMITH, THE PERSONNEL OFFICER 139 

people gathered in groups and discussed many 
things, principally personal affairs. Some be- 
lieved Mr. Smith would reform. However, those 
who know him best are somehow skeptical and 
fear he is just at his old tricks and will yet try 
to “pull something over the people”. 

Soldiers and patriots all over the United 
States will try to see that men like Mr. Smith 
are never placed in positions of public trust, 
especially those which are the gift of the people. 

Past wrongs were soon forgotten and once 
more the people's minds were turned to pleasure. 

Then came the eats. In true military fashion 
all formed in a long line and marched to their 
places. Long will this supper be remembered. 
It was conducted as an Army meal, but none could 
recall one as good. Yet there were some good 
meals served in the Army, especially on Christmas 
and holidays. 

Until the wee small hours of the morning the 
dance never slackened. 

Finally the hours of parting came. A bell 
sounded. Then a private wearing wound stripes 
mounted a chair and said: “We have those here 
who fought and won over yonder. We have those 
here who worked on this side and made it possible 
for others over there to win. We have here as 
honored guests those who are fighting the people's 


140 MR. SMITH, THE PERSONNEL OFFICER 

battles in peace times. Tomorrow Lieut. Black 
goes from us to fight other battles in other places. 
In a few days Miss Norvill and her mother will 
go home. Thank goodness we have Mr. and Mrs. 
Deal here with us. Let us give our yell for each 
of our friends separately and then tell them 
good-bye.” 

Then many voices were raised as the cheer 
leader called the names and led the yells. 

Quickly our friends were surrounded by 
grateful soldiers and their happy wives. Involun- 
tarily many tears were shed as each soldier shook 
hands and thought of their happy peaceful life 
and what it might have been without their 
friends' help. 

Saturday and the day of parting for our 
friends came all too soon. Yet how different is 
the parting when friends and lovers part only 
for a time, trusting that they will soon be reunited. 

The evening train bore Lieut. Black to his 
work in Florida. However, he carried the promise 
of Eolene to follow at his calling. 

When hearts are united they should not be 
separated. Let us hope that Lieut. Black will 
soon gain the place of trust he seeks. Then 
though he was disabled in the Army, his dis- 
ability will be overcome and he can return for 
Eolene. 



















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